td5 clutch

looking at changing my clutch before the weather turns much more, I've had a search around but just ended up with more questions

What's this about plastic release bearings melting?

Do any bushes or anything in the release fork need changing?

I'll be doing it on the drive and intend to pull engine and gearbox (es) out and change the clutch on the drive, not under the car. Does the front end of the car come apart fairly easily or is it spotwelds? I.e. can I take the bumper, front pannel, radiators etc out and end up with a big "hole" to pull the engine and gearbox out through - as we used to on the old tranny vans?

hire an engine crane ,remove the consol and lift lower the boxes through there,you dont need to worry about release arm on a td5 just ensure you dont lose nylon pivot cup out of lever,release bearings do have a plastic sleeve that bearing sits on they arent usually an issue just fit std new bearing ,you will need new flywheel and its best to change spigot bush in crank boss

I've got an engine crane so that's no problem, I know about the flywheel too, thanks.

The reason behind taking the lot out was just to make life easier (all be it a bigger job) but the idea of lowering the box doesn't sound too bad now that I've had a bit of a think about it (I was thinking it would be in the way under the car but guess I can push the car forwards to get around that).

The job itself shouldn't be a problem, I'm an ex mechanic, but it's always worth talking it over with people who've done one.

Thanks again, any tips or other help much appreciated

i do them regulary like that ,i dont like doing them on the ramp,once box mounts are off you can drop box right down to get at top bell housing bolts then lift it back up for other stuff etc i jack drivers side up to give enough work room and pull box out of way while chanin flywheel etc, cross member bolts often shear but the captive nut chisels off easily if they do and serated flane nut holds it self while tightening as a replacement