Clutch assembly replacement

Hi,

I always recommend staying with what the manufacturer designed. I understand the reason you are questioning it, but unless you are hauling or towing a lot, I don't think you would notice a difference.

I suspect you meant it has a 4.3L V6. So that is what I am going to provide directions for. Here are the instructions for the removal and replacement of the clutch assembly. The attached pictures correlate with the directions.

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1998 Chevy Truck K 1500 Truck 4WD V6-4.3L VIN W
Clutch Assembly Replacement
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Clutch Service and Repair Procedures Clutch Assembly Replacement
CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL PROCEDURE

- Tools Required
- J36221 Clutch Alignment Tool

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in General Information.
2. Remove the quick disconnect from the concentric slave cylinder. Refer to Master Cylinder Replacement.
3. Remove the transmission. Refer to Transmission Replacement (NV3500) or Transmission Replacement (NV4500 RWD) or Transmission Replacement (NV4500 4WD) in Manual Transmission.
4. Install the J36221 in order to support the clutch.

Pic 1

5. Mark the flywheel (5) and a clutch pressure plate lug for the installation alignment.
6. Remove the bolts (2) and the washers (3). Secure the clutch pressure plate (4) and the clutch driven plate (1) to the flywheel (5).
6.1. Remove the J36221
6.2. Clean all of the parts with a water dampened cloth.
6.3. Inspect all of the parts for wear and damage.
6.4. Use a straight edge in order to inspect the contact surfaces for scoring and flatness.
6.5. Inspect the friction pads for scoring, gouges, and loose rivets.
6.6. Inspect the friction pads for oil. Replace the clutch driven plate if the friction pads are soaked with oil.
6.7. Inspect all of the splines for the following:
Nicks
Burrs
A smooth sliding fit

6.8. Inspect all of the springs for bending and breakage.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

- Tools Required
- J36221 Clutch Alignment Too[

pic 2

1. Install the bolts (2) and the washers (3) that secure the clutch pressure plate (4) and the clutch driven plate (1) to the flywheel (5).
2. Install the J36221 in order to support the clutch.
3. Align the marks made during removal or, if new align the lightest part of the clutch pressure plate, identified by a yellow dot, to the heaviest part of the flywheel, identified by an "X".
- Tighten the clutch pressure plate to the flywheel bolts to 41 Nm (30 ft. Lbs.).
Remove the J36221.

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

4. Install the transmission. Refer to Transmission Replacement (NV3500) or Transmission Replacement (NV4500 RWD) or Transmission Replacement (NV4500 4WD) in Manual Transmission.
5. Install the hydraulic line fitting to the concentric slave cylinder. Refer to Master Cylinder Replacement.
6. Lower the vehicle.

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Here are the directions for the removal and replacement of the transmission. Note these directions are for transmission replacement, but the same directions apply.

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1998 Chevy Truck K 1500 Truck 4WD V6-4.3L VIN W
Transmission Replacement
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Manual Transmission/Transaxle Service and Repair Procedures NV3500 (RPO MG5 & M50) Manual Transmission On-Vehicle Service Transmission Replacement
TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL PROCEDURE

- Tools Required
- J36221 Quick Connect Disengagement Tool

1. Shift the transmission into 3RD or 4TH speed gear.
2. Remove the shift lever and boot. Refer to Shift Lever.
3. Raise the vehicle.
4. Drain the transmission oil. Refer to Fluid Replacement (NV3500) or Fluid Replacement (NV4500).
5. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to one of the following procedures in Propeller Shaft.
- Propeller Shaft Replacement (Front Axle-All Except NP8)
- Propeller Shaft Replacement (Front Axle-NP8)
- Propeller Shaft Replacement (System Balanced Assembly)

6. Remove the transfer case if the vehicle is equipped with four wheel drive. Refer to one of the following procedures in Transfer Case.
- Transfer Case Replacement (Selectable Four Wheel Drive)
- Transfer Case Replacement (Auto Four Wheel Drive )
- Transfer Case Replacement (Manual Four Wheel Drive)

pic 3

7. Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the vehicle speed sensor.

Pic 4

8. Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the backup lamp switch.
9. Disconnect the wiring harness retainers from the transmission.

Pic 5

10. Use the J36221. Depress the white plastic sleeve on the quick connect in order to separate the hydraulic clutch line from the concentric slave cylinder quick connect.

Pic 6

11. Remove the clutch housing cover.
12. Remove the transmission rear mount.
13. Support the transmission. Use a suitable safety stand.
14. Remove the frame crossmember. Refer to Rear Bumper Brace Replacement in Frame and Bumpers.

Pic 7

15. Remove the transmission to the clutch housing bolts and studs.
16. Pull the transmission straight back on the clutch hub splines. Do not let the transmission hang from the clutch plate and the clutch cover.
17. Remove the transmission from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

IMPORTANT:
- Do not force the transmission into the clutch.
- Do not let the transmission hang from the clutch.
- Leave the safety stand under the transmission for support.

1. Install the transmission:
1.1. Put a thin coat of high-temperature grease on the main drive gear splines.
1.2. Shift the transmission into 3RD or 4TH speed gear.
1.3. Rotate the transmission clockwise onto the clutch hub splines.
1.4. Install the bolts and the studs securing the transmission to the engine.
Tighten the bolts to 47 Nm (35 ft. Lbs.).

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

2. Install the frame crossmember. Refer to Rear Bumper Brace Replacement in Frame and Bumpers.

Pic 8

3. Install the transmission rear mount.
4. Remove the safety stand from beneath the transmission.

Pic 9

5. Install the hydraulic clutch line to the concentric slave cylinder quick connect.
6. Install the wiring harness retainers to the transmission.

Pic 10

7. Install the electrical connector to the backup lamp switch.

Pic 11

8. Install the electrical connector to the vehicle speed sensor.
9. Install the transfer case if removed. Refer to one of the following procedures in Transfer Case:
- Transfer Case Replacement (Selectable Four Wheel Drive)
- Transfer Case Replacement (Auto Four Wheel Drive )
- Transfer Case Replacement (Manual Four Wheel Drive)

10. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to one of the following procedures in Propeller Shaft.
- Propeller Shaft Replacement (Front Axle-All Except NP8)
- Propeller Shaft Replacement (Front Axle-NP8)
- Propeller Shaft Replacement (System Balanced Assembly)

11. Install the parking brake and controls, if removed. Refer to Parking Brake Replacement in Parking Brake.
12. Fill the transmission with new oil. Refer to Fluid Replacement (NV3500) or Fluid Replacement (NV4500).
13. Remove the safety stands.
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Install the shift lever and the boot. Refer to Shift Lever.

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Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe