1999 Freightliner New clutch installed, problems.

Is it grinding trying to go into gear? The clutch needs to be adjusted to 1/2"-9/16" between clutch brake and TO bearing, then free play set to 1.5-2".

3" is too much. Sounds like your mechanic probably put the clutch in and set the clutch adjustment, but not the free play, which leaves you without enough travel in the clutch to hit the clutch brake.

FWIW, I put my clutch and trans in around 50 or 60k miles ago, and it hasn't changed.

 

No, that's not normal, and a new clutch should be just that, like new. The only reason you are able to shift at all, is on the floor, you are bumping the clutch brake. 3 inches of play is way too much and unsettling some bozo told you it was normal. Clutches don't have to be "broken in", and get it adjusted right soon. Who knows, the clutch guy maladjusted it on purpose to get you for a transmission later. Hey, don't think so?

 

Needs to be properly adjusted, although I don’t know why you are using the clutch to shift to begin with

 

Had a clutch put in KW almost 90k ago, still not been adjusted, doesn’t need it.

 

He over adjusted it. Needs to be backed off. Properly adjusted as Skateboard said. First the 1/2” gap, then linkage if needed to get 1/8” gap at forks. 1/8” equals 1.5-2” freeplay. Clutch brake should also be checked for proper operation. Probably better off taking it somewhere else. Hopefully he did the installation correctly. Time will tell. Once properly adjusted it should work fine.

 

If he shortcut that, might wanna make sure he put bolts on top back in the bell housing.
Had one guy years ago screw that up and cost me a clutch and transmission, worked great, until one day it didn’t, Almosr needed a tow, but found a shop near i had to cripple it to.
New trans and clutch and bell housing.