Updated clutch recommendations?

[msmall007]

I had posted this as a reply to a very old thread…. Trying as a new post for better visibility.

Hi TJ experts. 2 questions:

1. I am about to embark on my first major work on my 2003 TJ; I am going to replace my fried NV3550 with a new AX15. Since I am the second owner of this TJ and have driven this for ~6 years, I thought replacing the clutch a wise idea while I’m in there. Most of the posts related to this look to be about 5 years old… and most that I have seen recommend LUK. I am curious if that is still the recommendation?
2. Secondly, I have seen a lot if clutch replacement posts speak to replacing the flywheel ‘for good measure’ .. I’m on a tight budget, which is why I am doing the transmission myself (hope to save ~$1,550 by that). Is the flywheel replacement really necessary unless I see significant wear? How would you recommend evaluating thr flywheel? Note.. I have no idea what the previous owner(s) did to the jeep.

Thanks in advance!. I am amazed at the expertise and helpfulness on this forum!

 

[macleanflood]

I threw a Luk clutch kit at my 97 with zero issues several years ago...well, not completely zero...the AX-15 started screaming on 4-5... bearing on that rail was shot probably because my PO never changed the stock gears so it was effectively a three speed with 33s. I ended up having a local shop rebuild my transmission...it came in and out seven times...I'm getting really good at pulling them... before I gave up on them and bought a new one from Novak. At that time I was done installing transmissions so I decided to install a new Luk flywheel at the same time.

-Mac

 

[TheBoogieman]

I bought a Luk flywheel too. $80 for peace of mind................or is it piece of mind @Zorba?

 

[jeepguy03]

I put a new Luk clutch and flywheel in my '98 TJ 4.0L/AX-15 2 years ago. I replaced mine because at 155k miles the pilot bearing was making a lot of noise, and I figured the clutch would also be needing replacement soon. To my surprise the clutch and flywheel looked great, very little wear, but I did them anyway since I was in there along with the pilot and throw-out bearings.

 

[msmall007]

I put a new Luk clutch and flywheel in my '98 TJ 4.0L/AX-15 2 years ago. I replaced mine because at 155k miles the pilot bearing was making a lot of noise, and I figured the clutch would also be needing replacement soon. To my surprise the clutch and flywheel looked great, very little wear, but I did them anyway since I was in there along with the pilot and throw-out bearings.

Thank you... I am wondering if that is related to some comments i have rad about opting for a non-LUK bearing since the LUK is a composite of some sort... versus all metal? I might have read that wrong.

 

[jeepguy03]

Thank you... I am wondering if that is related to some comments i have rad about opting for a non-LUK bearing since the LUK is a composite of some sort... versus all metal? I might have read that wrong.

The throw-out bearing that comes with the kit is composite, I ended up buying an all metal SKF throw-out bearing. With that said, the bearing that went bad in my Jeep was the pilot bearing in the flywheel, the throw-out still seemed fine.

 

[msmall007]

The throw-out bearing that comes with the kit is composite, I ended up buying an all metal SKF throw-out bearing. With that said, the bearing that went bad in my Jeep was the pilot bearing in the flywheel, the throw-out still seemed fine.

I hate to keep this going with additional questions... but I have read replacing the rear main seal both ways on various posts. When you replaced your clutch initially, did you replace the RMS?... and what are your thoughts on that?

 

[macleanflood]

RMS is not a one piece nor accessed through the removal of the transmission.

You drop the oil pan and remove the rear bearing cap.

-Mac

 

[tholde691]

Hi there,
I'm running into a problem replacing my clutch on my 1998 TJ 4.0, AX-15 Transmission. Have to replace my clutch and would like to go with OEM LuK(?) or Sachs but can't find the right one - however I found clutch kits for the TJ model year 08/1996 - 04/2007 but only for model year starting 2005 from either LuK or Sachs. Anybody knows what I need?
Any advice would be highly appreciated!
Thanks!
Torsten

 

[TheBoogieman]

Hi there,
I'm running into a problem replacing my clutch on my 1998 TJ 4.0, AX-15 Transmission. Have to replace my clutch and would like to go with OEM LuK(?) or Sachs but can't find the right one - however I found clutch kits for the TJ model year 08/1996 - 04/2007 but only for model year starting 2005 from either LuK or Sachs. Anybody knows what I need?
Any advice would be highly appreciated!
Thanks!
Torsten

Same clutch for many years. Are you limited by sourcing LUK clutches in Germany?

 

[tholde691]

Same clutch for many years. Are you limited by sourcing LUK clutches in Germany?

in the meantime I ordered a Sachs clutch-set thru RockAuto including a new flywheel. It's installed and works just fine.
Thanks for all inputs and comments-very helpful-highly appreciated!
Torsten