hj61/12ht/h55: I have a few questions about replacing the clutch and rear main seal

[kevin in okinawa]

I'm putting a new h55 (replacing old h55, not an AT) in the truck and want to replace the clutch and rear main seal while I have it apart. I've never done a clutch before, so any tips from those that have are greatly appreciated.

1) do I need to remove the oil pan? I'd rather not if it's not necessary. Also, if the pan does not need to be dropped, that means that I do not need to drain the oil, correct?
2) I recently rebuilt the transfer case, but do you have any tips for the clutch and rear main seal? What extra guidance do you have over what is in the FSM?

 

[duncanrm]

• The Oil Pan does not need to be dropped
• Replace the spigot bearing
• Replace the thrust bearing
• Do the transmission input shaft seal at the same time.
• Get the flywheel refaced before the new clutch is installed

 

[kevin in okinawa]

• The Oil Pan does not need to be dropped
• Replace the spigot bearing
• Replace the thrust bearing
• Do the transmission input shaft seal at the same time.
• Get the flywheel refaced before the new clutch is installed

thanks Duncan!