300TDi Clutch Replacement Tips for DIY?

Hi
The clutch has gone in my 300TDi. I want to do the job myself (to save cash) and have the Haynes guide and a few web pages giving details of the process.

I have three questions which I hope you good folk will be able to answer..!

(I have changed a cluch on a Ford Sierra...many years ago...so some experience!)
So
1. Do you think it possible, with a good tool kit, and no special tools, to change a clucth in a 300TDi ?

2. If you have changed a clutch in a 300TDi, if you had to do it again, what would you do to make it easier?

3. Do I really need an engine crane to support the gear box ?

Cheers

Yes you can do it with a basic tool kit and no special tools apart from the tool to line up the clutch plate.
A wheeled jack for under the gear box, no engine crane needed.
You will find removing the transfer box from the gear box makes the process lighter and safer.

i find it much easier to take engine out when fitting a clutch.

I go with engine out also, its much easier than it sounds

depends whether youve got the gear to lift the engine .... or just a trolly jack to support the gearbox.

did mine with just trolley jacks,next time will use my crane-the box with transfer attached is HEAVY-you will need lots of 1/2" extension bars to get to the bell housing nuts-I was about half way down the wagon to do them.M8 or M10 studding(can't remember the size) helps to realign the bell housing-Make sure you fit HEAVY DUTY FORK,well worth the extra few quid-it is not too bad a job,just takes time

I go with the guys who say engine out - the gearbox is very heavy and an awkward shape. When I had a Tdi I took the engine out to replace the release bearing - after 180,000km the plate was still fine but the bearing was totally shot.

Best tip I can give is getting the top bellhousing bolts out. Remove engine mounts completely, and then lower the engine as far as it can go. Get about 2 to 3 fett of extension bars for your sockets. One person working under the car slides the socket along the top of the gearbox. With the engine dropped as mentioned, an assistant working in the engine bay will be able to guide the socket onto the head of the bolt, and hold it there while the poor sod underneath cranks the ratchet!

Engine is also very heavy so make sure you hire a decent crane. and have a smooth surface so you can wheel it away to access the flywheel.

While job took us about two days with two of us working on it - while mechanically competent, it was the first Disco we'd done and we weren't rushing.

Good Luck!

if gear box is heavy what is engine ,which will need lifting gear to remove ,easiest way is engine crane supporting gear box through tunnel top bolts can be easily reached by lowering boxes as far down as possible,ive done alot of engine changes and would rather take gearbox out

my brother did his own clutch replacement recently,
nothing hard about it,he didnt take out the engine as there was no need.
just a slow job making sure you take off all the right things.
he did split the transfer box from the gear box.
the only specialist tool was the clutch lining tool.
all other tools were from a good tool box,axle stands and trolly jack.
took a full day to remove everything and replace the clutch kit (all 4 peices)
and re attatch the gear box,transfer box,drive shafts etc.
he did put on a heavy duty clutch fork just incase any future problem should arrise.
the second day was just putting all the centre colsole etc inside the disco back
its just a time consuming job.
he did all the mauling him self as due to back injury i couldnt help maul with the gear box etc. i just passed him the tools he required when he asked for them.
if you can get some one to help it would possible take less time with two of you mauling.
my brother said he would have no problem doing another one and would recommend anyone with even a little experience to do it themselves.
hope this helps with your decision

Did mine by removing the gearbox, again engine crane through the centre console took me and a mate a day but found it alot better than removing engine. Having removed my engine twice. As said the top bolts can be a pain to get to, however last owner on mine hadn't put them back in. Take your time, remember where all the bits went, but above all before you start choose the way in which you do it to suit you.