99SH

Yesterday I attempted to replace my clutch but hit a road-block when removing the upper 3 tranny bolts. I successfully removed the starter bolt, dropped the subframe, etc and had everything removed but the 3 top transmission bolts. I only had 3/8" extensions at the time, and breaking the bolt loose was not happening. It was getting cold and dark, so I put the car back together and admitted defeat (for now).

Doing some research, looks like I need about 2-3 foot worth of 1/2" drive extensions to get required torque to remove these bolts. I only attempted to remove the passenger side upper bolt; the topmost driver-side bolt looked the hardest to get to. It is way deep in the tunnel and looked almost impossible to remove.

I found a 20" 1/2" drive extensions at sears; plan to pick up 2 of these. So aside from the 40" long extension, any other tips you can offer? I'm going to reattempt to do this next weekend.

My other hurdle, which I didn't encounter yet, is reinstalling the tranny with one person using a floor jack. I know it can be done, but it's going to be a tough balancing act doing it solo.

Billman250

leave the rear of the trans bolted to the car.

Lower the subframe 3".

Use a long handle box wrench for the top two, working from under the hood. Top two are a breeze this way.

As for the third, (im sure you mean the one on the drivers side) break it loose with 1/2" drive tools. Remove it with 3/8" drive tools. A 1/2 socket or swivel socket is bulky and will get pinned against the car as you loosen the bolt.

99SH

Thanks for that Bill. Never thought of getting to the top two bolts from under the hood. I'll give that a shot.

For the other driver's side bolt, how long of an extension did you end up using to break the bolt? Is one 20" extension enough?

Billman250

Not sure if a 20 will do it. i use a 36". but it might work on that one bolt.

ap1 George

when we replaced my clutch we took out the motor mount on the ex manifold side, and also the shifter so you can tilt it down. extensions extenxsion extensions are all you need

japhethwar

All you need is a 3ft extension and a 17mm wobbly socket. Drop the subframe and tilt the rear of the trans down slighty. Remove all bolts, easy peasy. Just finished putting in my fourth clutch in the car this morning. Under 3 hours from start to finish. Best investment you'll ever make is a good quality set of wobbly sockets. I prefer snapon, but any quality brand will do. Makes removing the hard to reach bolts a breeze. Good luck on you install.

CoolGuy094

Did you break your knock sensor getting at the top starter bolt? Better check it, and possibly remove it next time you attempt this.

99SH

No, I was far from the knock sensor.

abnormals2k

I used the ridiculously long extension method. Done it 4 times now

99SH

Just wanted to thank you. Got the clutch install done this Saturday.