Wanted to know from 1-10 how hard or easy to change the clutch on a 87 samurai. I was thinking of doing it myself..

...In relation to what?


There are people that would consider the task impossible.

Others would call the process childs play.

I can do it in an afternoon, weather permitting and when the urge is strong in me.

Some would consider that time period way too long.

Finally, I freely admit that despite the belief that many think I am some sort of ASE Certified Master Mechanic, I am literally all thumbs when working on my Samurai.  Two weeks ago, I broke a transmission case while rebuilding it.

The point I am making is that you need to give some sort of reference point as to your mechanical skills before anyone can attempt to give you an opinion.

I hope this has helps!

Without air tools, junk hacks and limited experience, I have changed a clutch assembly in two days in my driveway.

This was on an automatic.  Having a manual with a divorces Tcase will assist.  A handy things to have around, ratchet straps.

Without air tools, junk hacks and limited experience, I have changed a clutch assembly in two days in my driveway.

This was on an automatic.  Having a manual with a divorces Tcase will assist.  A handy things to have around, ratchet straps.

what kind of clutch did you have in a automatic? I know they have multiple clutch packs internally but I dont think thats what uki-rider is asking. this is confusing.

if this is your first clutch job, set aside a weekend (or couple days), a service manual,some patience,a good attitude, maybe a buddy that's better at "doing" that "talking" and you can do this project.
also you will need the basics, metric tool kit, floor jack (helps).

I do not know what you have for a work area (Driveway, City Street in front of your Apartment, or a garage) and tools?

I have a "Rusty Iron Junkies" shop with the average Gear Heads amount of tools.

I have done it both ways, as the shop manual will tell you......
or I have found out that for me it was way easier to pull the engine and trans out the front as a unit with a shop engine
"Cherry Picker". Break it on the "Cherry Picker" and replace the clutch. (It helps to have someone help, too. Even for moral support & help drink your beer).

A note to help speed this process, remove the fan and let it rest in the fan shroud, then remove the radiator at the "Frame Brackets"; remove the plastic air dam (The triangle thingy) under the radiator and the 4 mounting bolts are right there easy to remove the whole works & make installation that much easier too.

It was a real pain to pull that iron rod cross member, wiggle everything, with a slight twist to get the tranny out as in the manuals info, and even harder to try to line the input shaft back up with "NO |removethispart|@#*!!^% ROOM". I had a lot of battle scars
on my knuckles doing it that way!

Good Luck, It really isn't that hard of a job, just take your time, You're not on pit lane at a race.

CAPT

Quote from: ASI H8 on March 21, 2011, 06:20:06 AM

Without air tools, junk hacks and limited experience, I have changed a clutch assembly in two days in my driveway.

This was on an automatic.  Having a manual with a divorces Tcase will assist.  A handy things to have around, ratchet straps.

what kind of clutch did you have in a automatic? I know they have multiple clutch packs internally but I dont think thats what uki-rider is asking. this is confusing.

Brain Fart!!    It was a 5 spd, changed the clutch then changed it to automatic (wife did better checking trans fluid then driving a manual)

I'll work on it this week..... sorry for not responding back so soon.. it's an 87 samurai 5 speed 4x4 ... I've done the knuckle bearing,headers with flowmaster, lifts  myself...I think I can do it... like you said take my time. And learn.... much mahaloz... from Hawaii

the fastest i've done my in my 87' samurai was 2.5 hours at the beach with minimal tools the worst part is getting the tranny in just the right spot to get it in
The tranny weights about 65 pounds  leave the transfer case in remove the front and intermediate shafts and shifter  undo clutch cable  remove starter  remove top two bell housing bolts go under the sami again remove trans mount and bottom 2 bolts carefully remove tranny      take the flywheel off to replace pilot bearing do proses in reverse and your done


if you where closer i would come do it   i can never just help i have to get dirty

Thanks for your help fordguy... I'm form Hawaii.. so that won't work LOL... but I'm more confident when you guy leave great reply... much mahaloz

Thanks for your help fordguy... I'm form Hawaii.. so that won't work LOL... but I'm more confident when you guy leave great reply... much mahaloz

you buy me a ticket and I will come do it!

would love to come help

you folks might not wanna go back home after see Hawaii. LOL

I don't have any experience in changing the clutch but can help you from here in case if you want. Please describe me the procedure as i too may need to do it just in case.

Thanks for your help fordguy... I'm form Hawaii.. so that won't work LOL... but I'm more confident when you guy leave great reply... much mahaloz

Which Island are you on?  I'll be out on Maui in a month. 

I'm on the island of Maui-hawaii