1989 F 350 Flywheel replacement

[JSAmbrose]

My flywheel has teeth missing. I used to be able to get under there and turn it to get the truck to start. That is getting harder and harder. I am not a mechanic, but learning as I go. Is it hard to replace a flywheel? I read you have to take the transmisson out- is this something someone like me could or should tackle? Truck is an automatic, I just replaced spark plugs, starter, solenoid, distributor and water pump. Any picutres on here for flywheel replacement for my type of truck? Thanks

[mechhound]

You would need a transmission jack and preferably a cement floor as well as a good array of sockets and wrenches both metric and SAE, some time, a manual and a lot of enthusiasm.(since you've never done it before)

[unclebubbles]

You dont have to take the trans out, although its easier to me and safer, but you have to get it back far enough to get to flywheel bolts. Unbolt the torque converter from the flywheel, and slide them back together, leaving the converter in the trans. Put it back the same way, dont bolt the converter to the flywheel and then stab the trans. Things wont line up, and youll ruin the pump in the trans. If you cant borrow a trans jack, you can improvise with a floor jack, but it aint easy, and be careful, they are heavy. Block everything up good, and dont take chances. If the front and rear seals show signs of leaking, nows the time to put em in. Good luck
Later
Ed

[JSAmbrose]

Originally Posted by unclebubbles

You dont have to take the trans out, although its easier to me and safer, but you have to get it back far enough to get to flywheel bolts. Unbolt the torque converter from the flywheel, and slide them back together, leaving the converter in the trans. Put it back the same way, dont bolt the converter to the flywheel and then stab the trans. Things wont line up, and youll ruin the pump in the trans. If you cant borrow a trans jack, you can improvise with a floor jack, but it aint easy, and be careful, they are heavy. Block everything up good, and dont take chances. If the front and rear seals show signs of leaking, nows the time to put em in. Good luck
Later
Ed

Thanks I am going to have to think about this- if its something I think I can do........I appreciate your advice on this. Just don't want to start something I can't finish because I don't know what I am doing......... you know? But at the same time I would like to do it myself if I could.