JK clutch issues?

[I Leak Oil]

In another recent thread, the failure of JK clutches was discussed. Specifically when they get wet. Seeing as I've been on and off about a 4 door JK how much of an issue is it? Is it common for the clutch to destroy itself when they get wet? What actually fails? Anyone with first hand experience?
No, not interested in a slush box so please don't advise that as a solution!
TIA

 

[Weeds]

I have seen one clutch fail on a JK. The jeep was stuck in mud up to the floor boards. The owner was shifting between forward and reverse trying to get out. The mud and water ruined the clutch. It was stuck with the clutch disengaged. We towed the jeep to the nearest town to wait for the tow truck.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: The JK/JKU jeep has a minimum-drain bell housing so if, when crossing a deeper (1'/3') stream/mud and you choose the righ gear FIRST---it's Ok, but

Shouild the situation arise that you have to change gears/restart/go in reverse, and use the clutch, then the chances are the bell housing will fill and the clutch disc will be destroyed-

The JK/JKU clutch assembly isn't a top quality unit anyway--

Just don't use clutch in "liquid" and it might last a while-

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[I Leak Oil]

So has anyone dunked their clutch and NOT have it self destruct?

 

[DesertJK]

I will have 80k miles on mine this month. I pull a 2500 pound trailer on dirt roads, drive in water, mud, slush, and dust.
I have had no problems with the stock clutch, but I get a lot more miles than most people with standard transmissions. Got 125K out of a Rover clutch once.
Maybe it's because I do almost no urban driving. My town only has 2 stop lights.

D.

 

[pilosopo]

So has anyone dunked their clutch and NOT have it self destruct?

Yes and no. I have driven through a stream deep enough for it to have been an issue if I had used the clutch, but I didn't.

The trick is to enter a situation like that with your Jeep in 4 Low, and in a gear low enough to allow for you to slow down but high enough that you can accelerate if need be... say third gear in my Rubicon.

If you need to stop for some reason, don't push in the clutch, just turn the motor off. With everything off, you can now select a different gear. Start the motor without pressing the clutch, I've done this in as high as fifth gear while in 4 Low, and then continue on.

So long as you don't actually use/disengage the clutch, no crud will get in and there shouldn't be any issues.

 

[Dan Grec]

With everything off, you can now select a different gear..

Are you saying change gears without using the clutch at all? (while the engine is off, obviously)

Does it always shift? A few of my standard vehicles sometimes won't go into a new gear without the clutch, even when the engine is off - rocking it usually helps slip it in.

Good suggestion, though. I have to remember that.

-Dan

 

[pilosopo]

Are you saying change gears without using the clutch at all? (while the engine is off, obviously)

Does it always shift? A few of my standard vehicles sometimes won't go into a new gear without the clutch, even when the engine is off - rocking it usually helps slip it in.

Good suggestion, though. I have to remember that.

-Dan

Yup. Always shifts for me, even if I'm not in 4 low. Every gear including including reverse, no rocking or anything funny.

It's the only manual I've owned that was able to do this so easily