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Guys, I am going to have to disagree with you all on the statements that changing the clutch is relatively easy. I have pulled my transmission 4 times and it gets harder each time. Why? Age and strength factor. Pushing a 90-120 piece of unwieldy dead weight up at several obtuse angles takes a heck-of-a lot of effort and strength. I have actually done this single-handed twice. Never again. It really takes two people, the dumb one on the bottom.
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I have never pushed or prodded a TR transmission out while laying on my back. Instead, to support it I have used a standard trolley jack with a chunk of wood. Once all the fastners are removed I pull straight back on the tranny to seperate it. Part of the prep for removing the tranny is the complete removal of passenger seat and runners. Then I put some cardboard down over the carpet or bare floor. After the trans is seperated, swing the tail shaft over torwards the passenger door. The swivel plate on the trolley jack still supports the tranny and lets it spin. Drag the tranny over to the cardboard and then drag the whole tranny torwards the door. Then the only lifting is from the door to wherever you are going to work on it. The cardboard protects the interior and allows easier sliding movement.
Putting it back in is a little tougher by yourself but as long as you work slowly and smartly it can be done. I don't enjoy pulling TR6 transmissions but it can be done by yourself with limited strength. Especially if time is not of importance. Take it slow, think it through.
If Dale has some local mechanics that are willing to do things right (and he's willing to pay the hourly fees) then Dale may be wise to begin 'educating' the local mechanics by doing some of the following.
1) Buy a seperate Bentley Manual so the shop has their own copy. Let them read up on the process befor they see the car. It will also familiarize them with the process.
2) Provide the mechanics with other technical resources (Moss Tech line, TRF Tech line, this site, 6-pack, etc...).
3) Get a good all weather car cover to keep in the boot when it goes to the mechanics. That way if they do have to push it outside to free up a lift they can cover it and protect it somewhat.
If the mechanics can be educated on the cars enough to do the work properly then there should be fewer problems.
I realize that I am making a hasty generalization about Dales mechanics but it is based on experience of seeing what even ASE certified mechanics can do to these cars when they treat them as 'cheap' cars. Hopefully Dale's choice of local mechanics are a breed apart.
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