I am replacing the clutch at 165k on my 97 T100. It has been easier than I thought, especially with a big lift and a proper jack. But, before I put the transmission back in, I have one nagging question. Which way does the clutch disc go?

The Hanyes book and a search say to put the spring side (bulky protruding side) toward the transmission. But, I think the original disc is stamped "c/c side" for clutch cover side (transmission side)on the flatter side of the disc. There is a pocket in the flywheel so that the spring pack could mount either way. Some say that having the spring pack toward the transmission allows for better engagement of the splines. How should it be mounted?

Thanks.

Springs towards tranny!I have never seen them any other way.

Interesting. In looking at my 97 factory service manual, they show it both ways. Depends on the engine.

The 5VZ-FE has the "thick" part to the flywheel.

The 3RZ-FE has the thick part to the transmission.

Towards the tranny. Usually will work either way but the throwout bearing engagement will be affected if wrong. Never seen it otherwise.

That is why I am confused. I think that is how the stock disc was mounted, but most other people/web info say it should go the other way. I'll wait and see if a more people respond before I put it back together.

99.999% of the time, the spring side of the clutch disc is indeed to the transmission. So the guys saying it's to the transmission side are correct, normally. But that's not the case with the 5VZ according to the toyota factory service manual. If I've got the link working right, the below should be a clickable copy of the page of the fsm showing what I described. Otherwise, the image is on photobucket, fox-trapper, t-100, cl19

[img][image]http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f48/fox-trapper/t-100/th_cl19.jpg[/img][/image]

Page CL-13 97 T100 FSM,the picture on the top of that page is worth a thousand words.You are exactly right,the thick side of the clutch on the 5VZ-FE goes towards the flywheel.

Great. Thanks for the input and picture. I'm glad I didn't put it back together. This also shows the value of a FSM.

WOW. You gotta be kidding! What were they thinking? Did they need the drive system shortened by that little to do that??? WOW! A Japanese surprise to me. Whowouldthought! Thanks for the info.