Front Clutch: Reassembly
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 1996 Dodge Ram Wagon, 1996 Dodge Ram Van, 1996 Dodge Pickup, 1996 Dodge Dakota, and 1996 Dodge Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- If installing NEW bushing in front clutch retainer, position front clutch retainer with clutch plate opening facing upward.
- Using hammer or press, and Bushing Installer (SP-5511), install bushing until bushing installer bottoms. Clean front clutch retainer after installing bushing.
- Soak clutch discs in ATF. Install NEW piston seals so lip on piston seal is toward inside of front clutch retainer.
- Lubricate piston seals with petroleum jelly. Lubricate front clutch retainer and clutch piston surface with ATF.CAUTION: Use twisting motion when installing clutch piston to prevent damage to piston seals.
- Using twisting motion, install clutch piston in front clutch retainer. Install piston springs on clutch piston in proper location depending upon number of piston springs. See Fig 1 .
- Install spring retainer. Using spring compressor, compress piston springs. Install snap ring to secure spring retainer. Release spring compressor.
- Alternately install clutch plates and clutch discs starting with clutch plate. See Figure . Ensure original number of components are installed. Install pressure plate and waved snap ring.
- Using feeler gauge, measure front clutch clearance between waved snap ring and pressure plate. See Fig 2 . Front clutch clearance should be .070-.129" (1.78-3.28 mm) on 3-disc clutches and .082-.151" (2.08-3.84 mm) on 4-disc clutches. If front clutch clearance is not within specification, check for defective or improperly assembled components.