LUVTruck.com

Hey all, I was hoping someone might be able to help me. I have a 79 4x4 LUV and I need to do a clutch job on it. First of all, has anyone done a clutch job on a 4x4 LUV here? I'm curious as to whether or not I'll be able to get the trans out of the way enough to do it. I've heard conflicting stories that with the 4x4, you need to pull the engine to do it. I really hope thats not the case... so does anyone know? Thanks

I have done the change before. Believe me it is easier to just pull the engine. Do you have a lift where you can get the truck off the ground! That would make it easier.

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1980 4X4 LUV

No, I don't have a lift. Its really easier to pull the engine? Seeing as how pulling the engine isn't something I consider simple (I have no engine hoist or stand, and only 2 jackstands) I'm kinda thinking this job is going to be a lot harder than I thought.

You can pull the trans out from under the truck even on a 4x4. Its a cramped tough job to do, but it can be done. The last time I did the clutch in mine it was from the bottom. I prefer to pull the motor, but I didn't have the space to really work on it out of the truck so I did it the old fashioned way. A trans jack makes it 10x easier if you can come up with one. I used a homebrew one made out of two old scissors jacks (like the stock luv jack) welded to a plate on the bottom and a chunk of old water heater on the top. Worked like a charm. I suppose if you are burly you could man handle it down, but I didn't care to try. I did consider using ratchet straps stretched between the frame rails though so maybe that might help.

Luckily, I've never had to replace the clutch on my LUV....YET! But from what I've heard from others that have is that there's one bolt that holds the tranny to the bell housing that's hell to get out. Some have elected to even leave it out when they put the tranny back in. I plan to have the engine overhauled one of these days and the clutch will be replaced then. Plus, I plan to have a second drain plug installed on the front sump. I have a 4X4 and the oil pan is sort of split fore and aft, so you never get all the oil drained from the front half.

Thanks for the tips guys. As much as I like working on my LUV myself, this is one thing I've dreaded having to do for a while now. I got a quote from a local tranny shop who said they'd do the job for almost $500. Now to be honest, thats more than I bought the truck for. Not to mention, if I did it myself I'd only be spending around $100 and could get a hell of a lot for the other $400. The down side is spending the day jimmying the tranny out of it when all I own for lifting are 2 jack stands and a 3 ton shop jack. Looks like either way I slice it I'm screwed

when i put a new motor in my 4x4 luv there was one bolt on the top center of the bell housing that is so hard to get in or out!!! i finally got it out and didnt even try to get it back in it was so hard! i cut up my hand trying to get it out but i havnt had it in for a while and it doesnt hurt nothing so i dont really care

I've pulled them many times. It is impossible to drop the tranny without pulling the motor. I dont think you replace the clutch without pulling it either. There are a few here that have a body lift, and that will usually allow you to drop the tranny without pulling the motor. To be honest, it is not really that hard to pull the motor in these trucks (as long as you have something to pull it out with). You will have a much easier time stabbing the tranny with it out of the truck.