Front Clutch

DISASSEMBLY





1. Remove waved snap-ring and remove pressure plate, clutch plates and clutch discs (Fig. 92).





2. Compress clutch piston spring with Compressor Tool C-3575-A (Fig. 93). Be sure legs of tool are seated squarely on spring retainer before compressing spring.
3. Remove retainer snap-ring and remove compressor tool.
4. Remove spring retainer and clutch spring. Note position of retainer on spring for assembly reference.
5. Remove clutch piston from clutch retainer. Remove piston by rotating it up and out of retainer.
6. Remove seals from clutch retainer piston bore and clutch retainer hub. Discard both seals as they are not reusable.

INSPECTION
Inspect the front clutch components. Replace the clutch discs if warped, worn, scored, burned or charred, or if the facing is flaking off. Replace the steel plates if heavily scored, warped, or broken. Be sure the driving lugs on the plates are in good condition. The lugs must not be bent, cracked or damaged in any way.
Replace the clutch spring and spring retainer if either is distorted, warped or broken.
Check the lug grooves in the clutch retainer. The steel plates should slide freely in the slots. Replace the retainer if the grooves are worn or damaged.





Check action of the check ball in the retainer (Fig. 94). The ball must move freely and not stick.





NOTE: Inspect the clutch retainer bushings carefully (Fig. 95). The retainer bushings are NOT serviceable. It will be necessary to replace the retainer if either bushing is scored, or worn.

Inspect the piston and retainer seal surfaces for nicks or scratches. Minor scratches can be removed with crocus cloth. However, replace the piston and/or retainer if the seal surfaces are seriously scored.

ASSEMBLY
1. Soak clutch discs in transmission fluid while assembling other clutch parts.
2. Install new seals in the clutch retainer lower groove and on the outer diameter of the retainer hub. Be sure lip of each seal faces interior of clutch retainer.
3. Lubricate lips of the retainer seals with liberal quantity of Mopar Door Ease. Then lubricate retainer hub, bore, and piston with light coat of transmission fluid.





4. Install clutch piston in retainer (Fig. 96). Use twisting motion to seat piston in bottom of retainer.

CAUTION: Never push the clutch piston straight in. This will fold the seals over causing leakage and clutch slip.





5. Position spring in clutch piston (Fig. 97).





6. Position spring retainer on top of piston spring. Make sure retainer is properly installed (Fig. 84).





7. Compress piston spring and retainer with Compressor Tool C-3575-A (Fig. 85). Then install new snap ring to secure spring retainer and spring.
8. Install clutch plates and discs. Install steel plate then disc until all plates and discs are installed.
9. Install pressure plate and waved snap-ring. Clearance should be 1.70 to 3.40 mm (0.067 to 0.134 inch). If clearance is incorrect, clutch discs, plates, pressure plates and snap ring may have to be changed.