M37 clutch replacement- questions

[pockersUK]

Looks like I need a new clutch
ive changes an m38a1 but not an m37

I’m told the WC clutch kits are the same as the m37 is this true?

Looking at the manual it would appear it can be replaced by removing the transmission- I take it there’s no need to remove the engine/power pack

plus any other tips gratefully received

many thanks

 

[just me]

With two people, remove the trans through the floor boards Remove the bottom clutch cover. The rest will be self explanatory.
The TM 1840 is downloadable here.
https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?83365-TM-s-for-the-M37

 

[OutpostM37]

These are worth their weight in gold for tranny removal with only one person. Harbor "Fright"

 

[Bill W]

A good little manual for parts interchangeability between models of Military Dodges is TM 9-1808C., However I just looked through mine and there wasn't anything on clutches.

 

[hasaboat]

I am new to the website and I hope I am posting my question in the right place. I have a 1962 M37B1 that is in pretty good shape but has been stored outside for about 10 years before I got it. I have lightly driven it and was going to go for my first real drive yesterday evening and the clutch does not seem to be engaging. The clutch pedal has tension but when I go to put it in gear the clutch is obviously not engaged. Before I pull the pan off I want to make sure that I'm not going in a wrong direction. I'm sure that this isn't a new problem and would appreciate any and all suggestions. Thanks!

 

[NDT]

When you try to put it in gear with the clutch pressed, do the gears grind? If so it is likely the clutch driven disk is rusted stuck to the flywheel.

 

[Roller]

Clutch disk is probably stuck to the flywheel from sitting. Pull the clutch pan and use a putty knife to free the disk from the flywheel. Have the clutch pedal depressed when you do this.

Frank

 

[Mullaney]

I am new to the website and I hope I am posting my question in the right place. I have a 1962 M37B1 that is in pretty good shape but has been stored outside for about 10 years before I got it. I have lightly driven it and was going to go for my first real drive yesterday evening and the clutch does not seem to be engaging. The clutch pedal has tension but when I go to put it in gear the clutch is obviously not engaged. Before I pull the pan off I want to make sure that I'm not going in a wrong direction. I'm sure that this isn't a new problem and would appreciate any and all suggestions. Thanks!

.
Welcome to the group! Happy to have you here at Steel Soldiers.

I hate to hear that you are having trouble with your clutch. Definitely sounds like the clutch is stuck like @Roller and @NDT already suggested. Pull out your safety glasses before you start working under the truck. Get yourself a nice putty knife that isn't chewed up on the business end. Maybe a heavy duty one that you can tap lightly on the handle.



Obviously you need to get between a pair of those bolts that hold the plate to the flywheel (picture above). Then rotate the motor and do it again (6 times). As both of the guys mentioned - it is a TWO PERSON job. Somebody to hold the clutch peddle down "Soldier B" while you work the knife between the clutch disk and the flywheel.

 

[hasaboat]

Thanks for the replies! I will give this a try as soon as my reinforcements arrive. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[John Mc]

Before pulling it, is there a chance the linkage needs to be adjusted? You mentioned "lightly driving it". If that was recently, what is the likely hood things have rusted up since that drive?

 

[G744]

Yes, a clutch adjustment would be the first task.

If that does it, you've saved a lot of work and a bit of $.

DG

 

[Mullaney]

.
I have owned several civilian vehicles over the past 45 years of my driving lifetime - and none of them have had shoes to stick to drums or clutch disks to flywheels.

On the other hand, I have several military trucks that get their shoes stuck to the drums. Air brakes in particular. Especially if they sit around for several weeks. The emergency brakes stick to those drums and if you are counting on that truck in a tight spot - I would personally never set the emergency brake.

Logic says a clutch disk rusted to the flywheel is possible - even probable - if the vehicle sits for long periods of time. Should that happen? No. Is it where it was parked? Maybe possible blowing rain and heat and humidity and your personal lot in life. All could be.

I also have to say that a company I worked for had mostly former military vehicles "in the field". Don't remember a clutch un-adjusting itself while parked. I also don't remember clutches sticking to flywheels. BUT that is a possibility.

Just things to consider.

Using a super-duty putty knife still might unstick the clutch if it is...

 

[hasaboat]

Thanks for all the input and sorry for the late reply. SO, the clutch disk was in fact stuck to the flywheel. I could see a gap between the disk and flywheel in one area and no gap in another. I gently used the putty knife in the gap to open it up and after prying in 2 areas the disk came right loose. Honestly the last time I drove the vehicle was probably 2+ months ago. I've been installing a new fuel tank and it took a while. After freeing the clutch I drove it for about 20 minutes on Monday afternoon but plan to drive it for an hour or more tomorrow. I live in a very humid location but I doubt that would make a difference? Anyway, your guidance was spot on and I really appreciate it. Thanks again, Todd

 

[Mullaney]

Thanks for all the input and sorry for the late reply. SO, the clutch disk was in fact stuck to the flywheel. I could see a gap between the disk and flywheel in one area and no gap in another. I gently used the putty knife in the gap to open it up and after prying in 2 areas the disk came right loose. Honestly the last time I drove the vehicle was probably 2+ months ago. I've been installing a new fuel tank and it took a while. After freeing the clutch I drove it for about 20 minutes on Monday afternoon but plan to drive it for an hour or more tomorrow. I live in a very humid location but I doubt that would make a difference? Anyway, your guidance was spot on and I really appreciate it. Thanks again, Todd

.
That's great news Todd!

Glad to hear that the "stuck" clutch was its only problem. At least now if it happens again, you know what to do and that it is no stress to fix. With a little careful observation - you might see that it was a particular rain storm, or a long patch of really humid weather - or not.

After the first time I encountered the stuck problem, I started driving everything I own about once a week. Sometimes really hot weather pushes it to two weeks. I fussed and groused about my brake shoes being stuck to the drum. Made me ill to say the least.

My drive it so I don't have to fix it plan seems to be working. That might work for you too.

Glad that the guys and I could help from the relative safety of the recliner

 

[G744]

Any relationship will go sour with inattentiveness...

DG