Clutch Adapter For Trans Jack

I've used clutch jacks before but honestly they are a bigger pain than worth it. I just used a input shaft and did it by hand. You will need someone to help you lift it up in and get the bolts started.

 

I agree with Milktanker, I do them the same way. Every time I used a clutch jack, I banged a knee or elbow, they get in the way. I think a bigger trans jack would get in the way even more. Another option that I've done when working alone is to assemble the clutch on the transmission. Once you get the trans bolted up, you'll have the bar the engine over to put the clutch bolts in. It's more work that way, but easier 1 man work. Just make sure you can get to the clutch bolts through the inspection cover. Some smaller engines like the 3100 series/C7 Cats, you can't do it.

 

I've got an OTC clutch jack & have used it to put in numerous clutches, wouldn't do a clutch job without it. It's a pretty strait forward job, I don't see how you can think just lifting the clutch up by hand and blowing your ####### out in the process is easier than using a tool designed for the job????

 

Maybe it was the jack we had but never should get them to line up right using a jack. And I never lifted them in by myself, always had a helper to hoist them up. For me it worked better. I've also done it the way grapeape suggested and put the clutch assembly on the input shaft then installed the transmission and bolted the clutch up afterwards. If your doing it alone that is probably the easiest way to do it.
I would be curious to see the jack you use granhawler, maybe you've got a different design than I've used. If they worked right and didn't get in the way so bad I can see where it would be nice to have.

 

Here's a link to the one I got, http://www.otctools.com/products/truck_clutch_%26_flywheel_handler

 

That's the same one we have, some guys use it others don't like it. It's a matter of personal preference. I find it easier and quicker to just lift the clutch up with someone up top helping through the shifter hole.

 

For clutch replacement I use a 1inch tie down strap secured to a point above the clutch housing along with 2 dowels made from a couple of 4 inch bolts. The strap is used to lift the clutch assy. while the dowels are used to align the bolt holes. I also use dowels for trans. installation. The dowels I use are ground to a point and are slotted so that they can be removed with a swrewdriver.

 

That's pretty similar to the one I used. It was pretty old though so that probably contributed. Everyone has a different method, it's whatever works for you and gets the job done.