Trying to replace the clutch in your 97' Nissan pickup 4x4 you cant slide the trans far enough because the welded cross member stops you. do you need to take the transfer case out to do it what to do?

Answer 1

You do not have to take the transfer case off. Once you remove everything and start to pull the transmission back you have to rotate it just enough to clear the transfer case of the cross member. Drop down the front and over to the passenger side and go forward. A couple things. You MUST do all the steps in the manual. You can't skip any of them to try and save time. I've tried, it won't work. Also you will have to remove your torsion bars and don't forget to measure the amount of the bolt sticking out above so you can put it back the same. You will need 2 jackstands behind the front wheels, cant't do it without those. Put a jack under oil pan with a block of wood to keep the engine level while you take off the tranny. It also helps with giving you a little more clearance for removal. Be careful not to put too much force on the oil pan. While you're changing out your clutch I recommend changing the throwout bearing and the pilot bearing while you have it all apart. You will need a special puller for the pilot bearing. It is in the center of the flywheel. Also get you flywheel turned at a local auto parts store so you have a nice smooth clutch. Use blue threadlocker. Buy your bearings at Oreilly's or Napa so you know they're good. You do not have to take the transfer case off. Once you remove everything and start to pull the transmission back you have to rotate it just enough to clear the transfer case of the cross member. Drop down the front and over to the passenger side and go forward. A couple things. You MUST do all the steps in the manual. You can't skip any of them to try and save time. I've tried, it won't work. Also you will have to remove your torsion bars and don't forget to measure the amount of the bolt sticking out above so you can put it back the same. You will need 2 jackstands behind the front wheels, cant't do it without those. Put a jack under oil pan with a block of wood to keep the engine level while you take off the tranny. It also helps with giving you a little more clearance for removal. Be careful not to put too much force on the oil pan. While you're changing out your clutch I recommend changing the throwout bearing and the pilot bearing while you have it all apart. You will need a special puller for the pilot bearing. It is in the center of the flywheel. Also get you flywheel turned at a local auto parts store so you have a nice smooth clutch. Use blue threadlocker. Buy your bearings at Oreilly's or Napa so you know they're good.