Clutch not disengaging after replacement

[tiger1964]

I have a 1970 40 series toyota land cruiser with a 3 three speed transmission. The clutch had started to slip so I went and replaced it. I beleive that I have gotten the friction disc in the right direction, I also beleive I have the proper throw out bearing . As well as the correct pilot bearing. I am first wondering if I installed the correct pressure plate. I have the three finger style plate. The clutch is grabbing just fine, it is very strong, the clutch pedal feels fine. The rod is adjusted about as far as it will go. I dont beleive I have air in the line, or that I need to adjust the clutch pedal. The problem is when I try and put the tranny into gear, it seems like the pressure plate is not disengaging. The tranny will not go into first gear, it just grinds.
My questions are, what is the symptom of a backwards friction disc. How do I know I have the correct pressure plate. I measured the pressure plate and it looked exactly the same as the old one. My guess is that the pressure plate is wrong. Or defective. I hate the idea of wrestling that transmission and transfer case back up there. This job has not been fun, the way it is looking is it will be coming down again. I am imagining that this is a very common mistake, please, will someone help me to resolve this problem.

 

[Poser]

Welcome.

My questions are, what is the symptom of a backwards friction disc.

Exactly what you are describing.

If the disc is in backwards it will interfere/bind on the fasteners used to secure the flywheel to the crankshaft and continue to rotate with the engine, no matter how much you adjust the slave cylinder/throw out bearing, etc.

How do I know I have the correct pressure plate. I measured the pressure plate and it looked exactly the same as the old one. My guess is that the pressure plate is wrong. Or defective. I hate the idea of wrestling that transmission and transfer case back up there. This job has not been fun, the way it is looking is it will be coming down again. I am imagining that this is a very common mistake, please, will someone help me to resolve this problem.

Post up some pictures of what you have.

Get a helper. Have them manipulate the clutch hydraulics while you watch the throw out bearing and make sure that it moves the release fingers on the pressure plate.

Did you change anything else?
Did you resurface the flywheel? If so, you realize they are a ‘stepped’ flywheel, correct?


What are your clutch free play measurements? (Throw out bearing to pressure plate? Master cylinder to pedal?)