Postby Hooligan » Wed Aug 07, 2013 4:36 pm
We have the same car, 98 with 5 speed.
Go to Harbor freight and buy a transmission jack, the kind on wheels.
You will need a clutch alignment tool for the re-assembly and many clutch kits come with such a tool. Follow the step by step as listed in the service manual which you can download from this site, especially about the crank position sensor. The tranny/transfer case combo is well balanced under the crossmember for positioning the jack. 4 cable harness plugs to undo.
Assuming that you are going back with a new clutch and pressure plate, I would recommend breaking the glaze on the flywheel with some fine grit emery cloth or 200 grit sandpaper rubbing in a circular pattern. Use a piece of duct tape to keep grit from getting in to the bushing on the crankshaft.
Check that bushing for unusual wear and put a gob of grease on the bushing before re-assembly. A new throw-out bearing is usually part of the clutch kit so, change it too.
If you see any oil leaking down from behind the flywheel you will have to seriously consider changing the rear seal which requires removing the flywheel. It's actually pretty straight forward. You'll need a torque wrench and an impact wrench can come in handy.