So I'm almost at 60 k miles on my 07 JK and I'm getting bobbing from the drive train when I try to get moving in high gear and/or need to downshift more often when going up hills. For now, it isn't affecting my driving (just stay in the ideal gear range and she's fine) but I'm pretty sure this is the beginning of the clutch going. I bought it at 30 K mi so I don't know the prior owners habits and this is my first standard besides bikes and quads so I'm sure I put plenty of stress on it breaking myself in.

If I decide I need to replace it, what sort of difficulty level am I looking at to DIY? I have access to all the tools I'd need. I've overhauled entire cooling systems before, replaced alternators, power steering and fuel pumps... never anything serious on a drivetrain though so the thought is a bit intimidating. Sure would save money though.

Any input would be much appreciated!

 

I have no end of respect for you for attempting this yourself. I've heard nothing but choice words from everyone I've known whose attempted this themselves. Thats not to say that I wont be trying to do it myself when the time is right

I would recommend getting a buddy to help you, a good floor jack, and some wooden blocks. I hear these things weight a ton.

Here is an article talking about it in more detail: h ttp://www.4x4xplor.com/clutch.html

Its specifically talking about doing a clutch replacement on a TJ, but I would imagine the same basic principles would apply to our JKs

 

Clutches are no big deal really. Hardest part is man-handling the trans/transfer case around. Once the trans is out of the way it's pretty straight forward if you have a decent clutch kit with the necessary parts and the disc alignment tool. Be prepared to either resurface or replace the flywheel however. Just keep that in mind.

Alldata states its a 5.0 hour job. Without a rack, and including beer, it's a day job.