I am installing a Con FE clutch Friday and wanted to see if anyone that has done this had any advice on the procedure. I have access to a truck lift and a good tranny jack. I was just wondering about shifter linkage removal and any other tips you guys may have. Thanks!

 

Hey 03,

I did this on my old 2000 CTD. It was one of the first w/the 5600 tranny so I had to swap my flywheel at Southbend Clutch for a resurfaced unit with the 13.125" bolt pattern holes drilled and tapped. I think yours is already drilled out to that. It is a pretty easy job, but watch out, this thing is HEAVY with the transfer case still bolted up. I lowered mine down w/2 floor jacks. Putting it back was another story. I ended up putting the cherry picker in the driver side and lifted it up through the floor with a strap around the tranny. Cussed at it for about 45 minutes until it finally went back into the pilot bushing. Overall it took me about 4 hours to remove and install everything.

This is also a good time to check your carrier bearing (ext. cab) and u-joints if your mileage is high.

You will love the clutch, except when backing up slow with a heavy load. It hooks up!

 

Thanks Bud. Just finished the job. Easy job. Used a friends truck lift who is a great mechanic. Job went very smooth. I think I felt the FE slip with the TST on 3/3 just a touch. Only a split second. The paperwork said that this clutch needs a break in period of about 200 miles city driving. I turned the TST off and will drive normal to break it in. So far its very smooth and the pedal and engagement are not bad at all. Thanks for the reply.

 

Good to hear it went in easy for you 03. I forgot about the break in period. I had the TST on mine at the time also. That break in period was hard to wait for since the old clutch hadn't allowed me to do a proper burn out in a month or so. I might have made it 80 miles before I had to try it out with a second gear dump to third then fourth ...then fith.

If I remember right mine had dry sound to it for the first few times. I imagine once the flywheel and friction surfaces seated all was good.

Have fun.