1996 850 147k miles How difficult to replace clutch? I have moderate mechanical ability - but little patience. Anyone have first hand experience
and could offer advice to tackle myself - or pay a shop. Oh yes - I'm
cheap, er -frugal also.

 

Well there is 2 ways to do it.
1. Support motor and tilt down some after removing the subframe.
2. Pull the motor and trans and then do it.

I like option 1 better. But I also have the tools at work to do it properly.

 

Remove the subframe? Would that not be removing the entire front undercarrage -leaving just the engine hanging by some means? I've done auto transmission replacements in dodge minivans - subframe didn't need to be removed , engine
suspended by improvised "hanger". I'm invisioning here unbolting the whole thing
from the unibody - correct?

 

You can do that.
At work I have braces that go from fender to fender where the bolts are that holds the fender on.Then hooks hold the motor using the braces.
Then you remove the subframe. Then lower the motor some more on the drivers side to slide the tranny out and leave the motor hanging.

 

outch! Sounds like this is more than I want to tackle. Present clutch does not slip -
but makes an obscure noise when being engaged. I'm thinking the throwout bearing, or broken spring in pressure plate. Any thoughts?

 

I would think throw out bearing.

 

well, gotta unbutton the whole works to replace the throwup bearing - it would be silly not to do the whole clutch kit - and what about replacing the rear main seal while in that deep ?

 

That is a must while in there.

 

well, gotta unbutton the whole works to replace the throwup bearing

 

I would do the clutch, throw out bearing, and the rear main seal also.

the tranny can be pulled out from the driver side wheel if you hold the motor up by any means, cross bar (like tech mentioned), engine lift, floor jack on the oil pan? you get the idea. and then you fully remove the bolts from the passenger side sub frame, and half way on the driver side. and the tranny slides right out.

i did the tranny/clutch job in a Saturday.

 

Anyone have a site where you can get rear mains? I've been searching but I can't find a site that has that seal.

 

So, equipped with a floor jack or two, a means of "hanging" the engine, and removal
of the subframe(s) and this crossbar -and a sober helper, all can be done in -say 10
straight hours. Just what/where/how does this cross bar fit in? I gather it holds things together while the subframe is unbolted? Is the front suspension disassembled
as well? Sorry for my obvious ignorance, but my desire to attempt this myself has been bolstered by a $12-1300.00 repair shop estimate. I did admit that I was cheap.

 

im sending you a pm.