96 Escort Clutch Replacement

My brother and I are planning on replacing the clutch on my 96 Escort
1.9L. Chilton mentions installing installing transaxle plugs
(T88C-7025-AH) between the differential side gears to avoid
misalignment. Is this part mandatory for this job or are they just
being overly cautious? Any advice is appreciated

Thank

Matt.

On Feb 26, 5:05 pm, Matt Sheldon wrote:
> My brother and I are planning on replacing the clutch on my 96 Escort
> 1.9L.  Chilton mentions installing installing transaxle plugs
> (T88C-7025-AH) between the differential side gears to avoid
> misalignment.  Is this part mandatory for this job or are they just
> being overly cautious?  Any advice is appreciated
>
> Thank
>
> Matt.

Just use a wooden dowel that fits into the holes. Chiltons and Haynes
recommended the same thing when I did the clutch on my 1990 GT, but I
didn't need them. The side gears never moved. I think in some of the
older MTX trannys the side gears would move and it's been a precaution
ever since.