Opinions please...clutch is probably original, 111K miles. Working just fine, but it has been suggested as something I "might wanna do" while in there for the Teralows. Kinda like doing the water pump during timing belt replacement...

With that kind of mileage on the original clutch, if I were going to drop the tranny anyway and could afford the extra expense, I'd just go ahead and do it now. Short of some kind of malfunction or trail damage, you'd probably never have to worry about putting another clutch in the entire time you own the truck.

Same here. It would suck if you got everything back together, and a few months later have the clutch go out <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

If its your first time with the Teralows, things will go significantly easier if you drop the tranny and install the Tera's on the bench... thats what I would recommend... especially in light of your clutch mileage.

-Rob

Hopefully you get lucky and your clutch isn't seized to the input shaft like mine was <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> I broke mine and a puller trying to get it out , andnow have to replace the clutch sleeve and hub assembly , worth 250 from the dealer. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" /> read my post about the trouble I had getting that puppy out , it was a real challenge to do.I'm glad I had a spare transfer ase to do this with , and also I didn't have it at the shop and have them do it and encounter the same problem.Not fun at 75 an hour shop labour.Its pretty easy once the input shaft is out to change the idler gear , and will be easy to put it back together once I get the parts.

If you can plan it that way. The Tera install would go much smoother, if the tranny is out. I've done three (MUA-5's) in the truck. But, if the clutch needs done then it would be so much eaiser.

Joe

Steve: I'd replace too. The clutch will probably have plenty of material left, but the throwout bearing is probably nearing its useful life.

Thanks all for your input...I guess it only make sense. I will be relying heavily on Mike Walter's experience for this install, not sure but I think he prefers to do it on the vehicle if you can make room...I hope to get 4 wheel ramps and get the thing up high so we can work under there relatively easily.

I'm still hazy on why the other end of the tranny (clutch) has to get involved with the transfer case gear swap anyway, but I'll take your guys word for it for now. I'm sure it will make sense once I get into it...

If your going to do it in the truck, theres really no need to replace the clutch unless you want to remove the tranny to do so. If you've got the spare tires, this makes it alittle easier while working under it

Steve-

Here is a way to look at it. Do you HAVE to replace the clutch because you install Tera gears? No

Should you? Maybe.

If you are having a shop do the work (I don't think you are.), then do the clutch.

If you are doing the work yourself (or a friend, i.e. Mike) then leave it unless you drop the tranny. Even then, only if you want to or it looks like it needs it.

Why, you ask? Because if the labor for replacing the clutch is free (yours or a friends) then you can do the clutch whenever it dies. If you are paying for the labor to drop the tranny then the cost of the clutch is marginal.

FWIW, I did not replace the clutch when I did the Teras (I think). Dropping the tranny and replacing the clutch is really no big deal if you have a friend, or a jack to do it with.

Good Luck,
Michael

Good Luck,
Michael