Easiest way to replace clutch ??

[TONYCASH]

GenevaDirt , haven't heard from you .Did u get my number ??

[Damkid]

How much does a B3 weigh? Pull it by hand!

the B3 can be lifted out by hand but it would be a royal pain to line it back up when re-installing

[stefan]

you can drop the trans from beneath and support the motor with a 2x4...

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10914&highlight=trans

[jglutz]

the B3 can be lifted out by hand but it would be a royal pain to line it back up when re-installing

Had mine out....picked it up with my hands and set it back in place while the wife ran the passenger side craddle bolt in....once in...I dropped the tail end down onto a block.

IMO...there is no reason to consider pulling the block to change a clutch

[TONYCASH]

Soooo,is it easier for a first-timer to pull the engine or drop the tranny ? Which one is the quickest ??Any other things I need to know about ? I have the HAYNES and the sticky's from here copied.

[Axlander9289]

IMO...there is no reason to consider pulling the block to change a clutch

X2
Especially since the trans is relatively easy to remove, and unbelievably light.

[GenevaDirt]

as stated....I prefer not to lay on the floor or in the dirt and gravel messing with the tranny when I can remove some bolts and wires and use a cherry picker to pull the engine out. Then when it is out you can clean the engine....go over it and replace any gaskets with ease. Change the water pump...ect.... To me it is much easier to work on that stuff while it is hanging out in the open.

[gorgonheimer]

i agree with genevadirt... i dont want to roll around on my back, but then again i do this stuff for a living and am spoiled now. i dont even change my oil on the ground. these cars are so light that every thing is easy, compared to other cars. if you have air tools and such, and a garage, then its all a matter of personal prefference. although it would be good for a novice to do the tranny on there back. it kinda weeds out those who wouldn't last any way. kinda like a right of passage.

[nonamekid]

Both ways are not that bad. I prefer the tranny way myself because I can do it in an hour. If you pull the engine, you will be dealing with more wires, but each one has there ups and downs. If you are getting help, do it the way the other person wants to do it. If you decide to pull the tranny, you could use a car jack and a block of wood to support the engine. If you do it this way it helps because you can then also lower the engine to make tranny removal and installation easier.

[rancheeto]

i think someone should start a poll on this.

[TONYCASH]

OK,so,I found and printed the paperwork on tranny removal,but,I cannot seem to find one on just removing the engine.NE1?

[jglutz]

Pulling the engine requires pulling these extras
Coolant lines (4X)
fuel lines
Air ducts
front motor mount bolt
Main electrical harness
Throttle cable
Misc vac lines
Alt. power cable.
A/C if equiped.
IMO....I'd rather lay in the mud.