Abstract: A clutch assembly outboard support comprising at least one bearing mounted to an outer structure near the clutch assembly, e.g. the clutch housing or protective cover, and mounted to or impacting upon the clutch assembly itself, to relieve the force applied to the inner support bearing of the transmission input shaft and to restrict clutch assembly motion regardless of the engine, starter drive or other forces applied to it. The increased clutch stability and alignment according to the present invention provide more complete clutch disengagement allowing for significantly improved transmission shifting characteristics by reducing or eliminating clutch drag during shifting.