engine

Flywheel

for 1970 AMC Rebel Machine 390ci V8 · RWD

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

6.0 h

Tools

Steps

🤖AI-generated, not yet human-verified. This walkthrough was produced by AI and may contain errors. Treat it as a guide, cross-check every step and torque value against the manufacturer's service manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. This is a moderate-risk job — take extra care.

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the flywheel on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine with 390ci V8 engine, requiring transmission and clutch removal.

Warnings

⚠️Ensure vehicle is properly supported on jack stands before working underneath. Never rely solely on a floor jack.

⚠️The flywheel is extremely heavy (approximately 30-40 lbs). Use proper lifting technique and have assistance available.

⚠Mark the flywheel orientation to crankshaft before removal to maintain engine balance.

⚠Inspect flywheel surface for cracks, heat spots, or excessive wear. Resurface or replace as needed.

ℹ️This is an excellent opportunity to replace the clutch assembly and pilot bushing while transmission is removed.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Transmission jackEssential

Socket set (1/2" and 3/8" drive)Essential

Wrench set (combination and box-end)Essential

Flywheel holding tool or large pry barEssential

Clutch alignment toolEssential

Torque wrench (0-150 ft-lbs)Essential

Drain panEssential

Pry bar

Wire brush

Thread locker (medium strength)

Shop light

Parts

Flywheel × 1 — Use OEM specification for 390ci V8
Clutch disc × 1 — Recommended replacement
Clutch pressure plate × 1 — Recommended replacement
Pilot bushing × 1 — Recommended replacement
Flywheel bolts × 6 — Use OEM specification
Transmission input shaft seal × 1 — Recommended replacement

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
Disconnect negative battery cable
Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame points
Remove transmission tunnel cover or floor inspection plate inside vehicle if equipped
Mark driveshaft-to-rear axle yoke orientation with paint or punch marks
Drain transmission fluid into suitable container
Remove exhaust system components as necessary for clearance

Procedure

1
Disconnect driveshaft
Remove the four bolts securing the driveshaft U-joint to the rear axle pinion yoke. Support the driveshaft and slide it rearward out of the transmission tailshaft. Stuff a rag into the transmission extension housing to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
2
Disconnect transmission linkage and wiring
Disconnect the clutch linkage at the bellhousing fork or release arm. Disconnect the backup light switch wiring connector. Remove the speedometer cable from the transmission. Disconnect any other electrical connections or bracket supports attached to the transmission.
3
Support and remove transmission
Position a transmission jack under the transmission pan with a block of wood to protect the pan. Remove the transmission crossmember mounting bolts. Lower the crossmember slightly. Remove all bellhousing-to-engine bolts (typically 4-6 bolts). Carefully slide the transmission rearward, ensuring the input shaft clears the clutch disc and pilot bushing. Lower and remove transmission from under vehicle.
4
Remove clutch assembly
Mark the pressure plate orientation to the flywheel with a paint marker. Install a clutch alignment tool through the clutch disc to support it. Gradually loosen the pressure plate bolts in a crisscross pattern, turning each bolt 1-2 turns at a time to prevent warping. Remove all bolts and carefully remove the pressure plate and clutch disc assembly.
5
Mark and secure flywheel
Mark the flywheel position relative to the crankshaft flange with paint or a center punch for proper reassembly alignment. Install a flywheel holding tool or have an assistant hold the flywheel stationary with a large pry bar wedged against a bellhousing bolt hole and a flywheel tooth.
6
Remove flywheel bolts
Remove the six flywheel mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern. Note that these bolts may have factory thread locker applied. Keep bolts organized if reusing, though new bolts are recommended.
7
Remove flywheel from crankshaft
Carefully pull the flywheel straight off the crankshaft flange. The flywheel is heavy and may require some wiggling to break free from the locating dowels. Have an assistant help support the weight or use proper lifting technique to avoid injury or dropping the flywheel.
8
Inspect and clean mounting surfaces
Thoroughly inspect the crankshaft flange for cracks or damage. Check the crankshaft rear main seal for leaks and replace if necessary. Clean the crankshaft flange and flywheel mounting surface with a wire brush and solvent, removing all oil, dirt, and old thread locker residue. Inspect the pilot bushing in the crankshaft and replace if worn.
9
Inspect or replace flywheel
Inspect the flywheel friction surface for heat checking, cracks, or glazing. Check for loose ring gear teeth. Measure the friction surface for wear and runout. The surface should be flat within 0.005 inches. If wear exceeds 0.030 inches or surface shows damage, have the flywheel resurfaced or replace it. Verify the ring gear teeth are not damaged.
10
Install flywheel to crankshaft
Align the flywheel to the crankshaft flange using the alignment marks made during removal and the locating dowel pins. Install new or cleaned flywheel bolts with medium-strength thread locker applied to the threads. Start all bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
11
Torque flywheel bolts
Using a flywheel holding tool to prevent rotation, torque the flywheel bolts in a crisscross pattern. Perform the torque sequence in stages: first to 40 ft-lbs, then to 80 ft-lbs, and finally to 105-110 ft-lbs. Verify all bolts are properly torqued and re-check after final torque is applied.
12
Install new clutch assembly
Install the new or resurfaced clutch disc onto the flywheel with the alignment tool through the center, ensuring the disc is oriented correctly (longer hub side typically faces transmission). Position the new pressure plate over the clutch disc, aligning with the marks made during removal or using a balanced orientation. Install pressure plate bolts finger-tight.
13
Torque pressure plate and align clutch
Gradually torque the pressure plate bolts in a crisscross pattern to 30-35 ft-lbs, tightening each bolt incrementally to prevent warping the pressure plate. Ensure the clutch alignment tool remains centered throughout the process. Remove the alignment tool only after the transmission is ready to install.
14
Reinstall transmission
Apply a light coat of high-temperature grease to the transmission input shaft splines. Position the transmission on the jack and carefully align the input shaft with the clutch disc and pilot bushing. Slide the transmission forward, ensuring the input shaft engages the splines without forcing. The transmission should slide fully into the bellhousing. Install all bellhousing bolts and torque to 50-55 ft-lbs.
15
Complete transmission installation
Reinstall the transmission crossmember and torque mounting bolts. Reconnect the clutch linkage and adjust as necessary. Reconnect the backup light switch, speedometer cable, and all other wiring or brackets. Install the driveshaft, aligning the marks made during removal, and torque U-joint bolts to 15-20 ft-lbs. Refill transmission with appropriate fluid to proper level.

Reassembly

Reinstall exhaust components and torque all fasteners to specification
Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground
Reconnect negative battery cable
Reinstall transmission tunnel cover or inspection plate inside vehicle
Adjust clutch pedal free play according to AMC specifications (typically 1 inch of free play)
Check all fluid levels before starting engine

Verification

Start engine and verify no abnormal noises from flywheel or clutch area
Check for transmission fluid leaks around bellhousing and tailshaft
Test clutch engagement and disengagement with engine running
Road test vehicle through all gears, verifying smooth shifting and no clutch slippage
Check for vibration that could indicate improper flywheel balance or alignment
Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary