Looking for clutch replacement DIY recommendations

[6speedS54]

Don't shops just jack up the front of the engine a little, while it is still connected to the front subframe, to gain more access to the trans bolts? Removing the subframe with the trans mount disconnected seems very sketchy, even with the engine support bar.

TIS says to remove the intake manifold as well; otherwise, that carbon airbox might go crunch.

bigjae is saying to only loosen it slightly, I've seen this also in a few videos, loosening it a little plus tilting gives you that extra space, I'll see how it is when I get to it, hopefully the following weekend.

[bigjae46]

Don't shops just jack up the front of the engine a little, while it is still connected to the front subframe, to gain more access to the trans bolts? Removing the subframe with the trans mount disconnected seems very sketchy, even with the engine support bar.

TIS says to remove the intake manifold as well; otherwise, that carbon airbox might go crunch against the firewall.

Leave the subframe bolts in, just partially back them out and then lower the subframe. Of course, you would want to support the subframe. It makes the two lower block bolts much easier to get a socket on. There is a risk of cross threading those bolts, especially the driver's side, because the trans tunnel interferes just enough so that the socket isn't on straight. Then there is not enough room to thread the bolt in by hand unless you have little girl hands...lol

I know this because...I cross threaded a bolt. What a nightmare! I've probably had more practice than most when I was trying to figure out the whole resetting the self-adjusting clutch mechanism process. God that fucking sucked...at least it was with a 5 speed. I was soooo close to buying a lift.

[6speedS54]

Leave the subframe bolts in, just partially back them out and then lower the subframe. Of course, you would want to support the subframe. It makes the two lower block bolts much easier to get a socket on. There is a risk of cross threading those bolts, especially the driver's side, because the trans tunnel interferes just enough so that the socket isn't on straight. Then there is not enough room to thread the bolt in by hand unless you have little girl hands...lol

I know this because...I cross threaded a bolt. What a nightmare! I've probably had more practice than most when I was trying to figure out the whole resetting the self-adjusting clutch mechanism process. God that fucking sucked...at least it was with a 5 speed. I was soooo close to buying a lift.

does it make a difference if you use an articulating socket or a wobble extension? It is really helpful to have this amount of info between the forum and YouTube. I generally don't dive into this level of maintenance, but watching and reading how to do it pushed me toward it 😂 Not afraid to try just don't want the car out of commission for too long. Need to pickup and take kids to school during the week and second car is in wife's hands most of the time. Really appreciate the detail.