Blackbelt

Ok Guys/Gals...

I have 130,000 miles on my 1998 GT... and i am thinking the clutch is just about had it... the previous owner did beat on the car.. not saying I baby it, but it is my daily driver in the summer/fall months... so I am finding that the gear engagement is periodically hard, or has a small grind to it....

So my question is...

Is there a way to inspect the clutch w/o pulling the trans off? or would people just recommend swapping out the clutch for a new one and be safe?

any precautions I should know about? I have read the Autozone step by step to pulling the old one out.. but any hands on knowledge would be best..

Also if I need to buy a new one.. any recommendations to which I should get?

Thanks

Adam

xx10Gt

the grinding im pretty sure could be caused by worn out synchro's.

i think there is a way to test it by going about 25mph (around there) and putting it in 4th and floor it and see if it slips. I think that is a way, maybe someone can chime in and correct me if im wrong

Seabee1993

Are you experiencing slippage? Noises?
As to what you are describing with grinding is more about the synchros.

Honestly though, with that kind of mileage I would just change it. It's really easy if you possess any mechanical ability, just time consuming. While your Trans is out look it over really well, or have a shop inspect it, that way you aren't being charged labor just for removal. Suggestions, I have the autozone clutch and I've had zero problems with it.

Blackbelt

yeah a local shop said they can take a peek at the trans for $70 to tear it down and check it out.. the only gear that slips is reverse... the grinding only happens when the trans is cold.. but that could just be due to that... yeah I was thinking to swap out the clutch to be safe anyways... but wasn't sure... so a Duralast is good enough for the cars? definetly cheaper...

Seabee1993

Well, originally I was going to use a Zoom in my 2000 GT, so when I finally received it I didn't look at the kit until the day I was going to replace it. Turns out AZ ordered me a 31 spline, and not a 10 spline. Since I was in the middle of the job, I opted for the dura last. Ironically that was all they had on hand of course. In conclusion, I've had zero problems with it, it's been in since Oct.