I have a 00' f150 4.2L with manual 5 speed tranny. I have recently started losing fluid in my resevoir that I have to keep topping off. When my fluid gets low,my clutch engages about 2 inches from the floor. Is this my slave leaking and if so,how hard is it to replace clutch and slave? I've done it 20 years or so ago on a ranger but I have forgotten everything I know about changing clutches.

 

you have any evidence of fluid in the bellhousing area? generally they are not too hard to replace but does involve trans removal. 2wd is a peice of cake, the torsion bar crossmember on the 4x4s is a royal PITA.

 

The slave is integral with the throwout bearing.

 

Yes, there is fluid dripping off the bellhousing. Do these things leak commonly? My truck has 95K miles and dont know if clutch has been replaced before I bought it.

 

its just something that happens over time, id give the clutch a good inspection while your in there, check the pressure plate fingers for wear where the release bearing contacts as well.

 

Thanks...If I tear it down, Im gonna put a new clutch in it since I dont know how old that clutch is anyway. I was reading in my chilton book (it was the only book they had), that when you replace the clutch, you have to put the pressure plate in a hydraulic press to reassemble? Is this true?

 

i have no idea what they are thinking of there...you just make sure the clutch is centerd with the pilot bearing and tighten the pressure plate evenly working your way around. Most sftermarket clutches will come with the alighnment tool to center the clutch.

 

I recommend an OEM clutch, not an aftermarket. Been there, done that. Have the flywheel resurfaced on a bench grinder.

 

The press is used to adjust the clutch pressure plate prior to install. The adjustment is already done so you do not need to. Do not forget to change the pilot bearing.

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THANKS ALOTS GUYS!!! You were very helpfull!