I got my rebuilt 302 in and running and should kick myself for not changing out the throwout bearing. It was fairly new and staring right at me when the engine was out, but no I didn't change it and now I have a squeal.
Turns out from what I have read that I should have replaced it with a FRP bearing as others mated with a FRP pressure plate would squeal regardless of age.
In any case I am trying to decide if I should unbolt the tranny from the bell housing and try to replace it from behind or remove the bell housing too. I only ask because my exhaust, welded, may turn out to be a PITA.

 

Removing the transmission is the usual way to replace clutch components.

 

I know that, but will I be able to reach in the bell housing and swap TO bearings from behind? I am having a brain fart. I should know having had this tranny out numerous times.

 

if its a t5 and you removed the trans from the bell and there should be enough room to remove the TO bearing.

 

Thanks that's the reassurance I was looking for. Hopefully I can get my meathooks in there. I should have changed it when it was sitting there.

 

yes, you can change it with bellhousing still on

 

+1........The hole in the center of the bellhousing is big enough to reach your hand into..

 

Got it out. Tranny on a tranny jack and waiting for UPS to deliver new TO bearing. Hopefully I can get the bearing in there right and get the tranny to line up and in without a hassle.

 

just dont step on the clutch pedal between now and then and it should take 5 min to complete the job to the point where you start installing the 4 trans bolts

 

Still waiting on UPS, but I forgot which tranny I had in there. Its a 1352-249 T5. Sometimes even a blind squirrel finds a nut. LOL