'68 F250 w/ 390FE flywheel change help

[Lone Wolfe]

Hello all, this will be my first post here on the great fordification, and I am seeking help. I am going to look at 1968 F250 in the hopes of buying it. The truck itself is awesome: Dana axles, a big 390, np435 trans. The owner did however mention that the flywheel is missing a tooth, so every now and then when that lines up with the starter it grinds. I've had that before in a truck but never got around to replacing the flywheel. Usually just rotated the fan and got it to start... but I want to do it right this time .

I have replaced a few starters on different rigs, but I've always just been able to reach up in there and get it off. I'm sure a flywheel is more complicated...

My question is simple: How would one go about changing the flywheel without pulling the engine?
A quick google search revealed that dropping the trans is a must, but didn't actually tell me what to do. I'm certain that if I spend enough time underneath I'd eventually figure it out... but hey that's what you geniuses are here for!

To note: the truck does have a divorced transfer case, does that make it easier?

Thanks for the help!

[eggman918]

Worst case you will need to drop the drive line between the trans and T case,unbolt the trans cross member from the frame remove the trans tunnel cover unbolt the bell housing. that rig up something to support the trans and slide it back to get to flywheel. The ring gear on the flywheel can be replaced it comes off and on from the engine side of flywheel you should be able to drive it off with a big flat tip chisels by hitting it 2 or 3 times then moving 90* or 120* and repeating the process untill it comes off to install the new one wait till the WIFE is gone and put it in the oven at 400* for 30-45 minutes while waiting set the flywheel up no 4x4's at a comfortable height to work at the gear "should" drop right on but have the 3# hammer ready with the chisels or a piece of steel rod/bar to drive iy on should it get cocked or hung up before it seats fully you will know it seated as it will sound different when hitting it when it does.

[Lone Wolfe]

Worst case you will need to drop the drive line between the trans and T case,unbolt the trans cross member from the frame remove the trans tunnel cover unbolt the bell housing. that rig up something to support the trans and slide it back to get to flywheel. The ring gear on the flywheel can be replaced it comes off and on from the engine side of flywheel you should be able to drive it off with a big flat tip chisels by hitting it 2 or 3 times then moving 90* or 120* and repeating the process untill it comes off to install the new one wait till the WIFE is gone and put it in the oven at 400* for 30-45 minutes while waiting set the flywheel up no 4x4's at a comfortable height to work at the gear "should" drop right on but have the 3# hammer ready with the chisels or a piece of steel rod/bar to drive iy on should it get cocked or hung up before it seats fully you will know it seated as it will sound different when hitting it when it does.

Oh wow, ok thanks!

[My427stang]

The way I'd do it is

- Rent a cherry picker if you don't have one
- Disconnect everything from the tranny, take out the floor panel, slide it/rotate it hanging from the cherry picker
- Turn the motor by hand and pull the clutch cover and disc
- I think you can then pull the flywheel, worst case, you pull the bell and starter (might be easier that way anyway)
- Do the heat trick on the new ring gear (keep in mind it doesn't need much, 200-250 and it drops right on. If the chisel won't take the old one off, cut it
- Reverse the steps, BUT, I recommend you buy a new clutch while you are in there.

[tsherry]

Eggman forgot a couple things:

1) take some ibuprofen before you start.
2) Lay in some adult beverages for when you're done.

Other than that, spot on.

[eggman918]

Eggman forgot a couple things:

1) take some ibuprofen before you start.
2) Lay in some adult beverages for when you're done.

Other than that, spot on.

[Lone Wolfe]

Haha! My old man also reccomended to use an acetylene torch torch to both take the old ring gear off and put a new one on. But, I'll be storing it in the memory banks as this particular truck fell through.

[colnago]

Or take your truck and $300 to your local tranny shop. That's what I did when I had a cracked flex plate. Saved me a ton of swearing, and it kept the beast on the road. Otherwise, it would probably still be parked in the driveway.

Joseph

[daveford72]

Always park on a hill and have a chain ready for that little tug from a buddy when that don't work.