Front Clutch: Assembly

1. Soak clutch discs in transmission fluid while assembling other clutch parts.
2. Install new seals in the clutch retainer lower groove and on outer diameter of the retainer hub. Be sure lip of each seal faces interior of clutch retainer.
3. Lubricate lips of the retainer seals with liberal quantity of Mopar® Door Ease. Then lubricate retainer hub, bore and piston with light coat of transmission fluid.
4. Install clutch piston in retainer (Fig 1). Use twisting motion to seat piston in bottom of retainer.
   CAUTION: Never push the clutch piston straight in. This will fold the seals over causing leakage and clutch slip.
   Fig 1: Installing Front Clutch Piston

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
5. Position spring in clutch piston (Fig 2).
   Fig 2: Installing Clutch Piston Spring

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
6. Position spring retainer on top of piston spring. Make sure retainer is properly installed (Figure).
7. Compress piston spring and retainer with Compressor Tool C-3575-A (Figure). Then install new snap-ring to secure spring retainer and spring.
8. Install clutch plates and discs (Figure). Install steel plate then disc until all plates and discs are installed. The front clutch uses 4 clutch discs and plates in a 42RE transmission.
9. Install pressure plate and waved snap-ring (Figure).

Clearance should be 1.70 to 3.40 mm (0.067 to 0.134 in.). If clearance is incorrect, clutch discs, plates, pressure plates and snap-ring may have to be changed.