Ok, I got a new clutch awhile back. Went with the McLeod. I was going to attempt to put it in this afternoon, got it started and noticed that the manual calls for you to remove the torque arm. In order to do so they tell you remove the coil springs and a couple other suspension parts. Now this in itself is a huge job. If you don't do so the manual says that vehicle damage may occour. I have a Chilton and a Haynes manual, they both said the same thing. My question is do I need to do all this extra work, or can I just unbolt it from the tranny. I was also told this is spring loaded and that the axle could shift if you just unbolt it.

Any suggestions?

P.S. Car is a 91 RS T5.

Thanks, Matt

 

You do not have to take it out.

The easiest way to do it is to put the rear of the car on jack stands under the frame, as well as of course the front. Then jack the rear axle up an inch or 2 by the pumpkin, just enough to unload the shocks; and set it on a 3rd pair of jack stands under the axle tubes, set to hold it about an inch above hanging as far down as it will go. Remember: under the axle tubes, not under any other part. If you do it like this, the TA will sit almost perfectly neutral where it belongs, you can move it up and down with your finger. That way you can work with the bolts on the bracket.

 

Yeah, I've never removed the torque arm from mine when doing a clutch, and I've done it many times. There's some tension on it, (it wants to hit the floor) but it's easy enough to pull down with one arm, while starting the torque arm bolts with the other.
-Rich-

 

If you do exactly as I described, there will be virtually no tension whatsoever on it. It will pretty much go wherever you want it to, with the force of one finger.

 

Thanks, I'll give it a try!!

 

I've done it many times just by putting the front on stands and unbolting it from the tranny. You dont have to raise the rear unless you think you need more room to get under there. Im a big dude, and have no problems pulling the tranny by raising the front only. Ive read that it will move up, you need to support it with a block of wood, blah, blah, blah. Its easy, it really isn't even a factor. Im sure it would work, but using three sets of jack stands sounds like a pain in the a** to me.