Choosing a new clutch

lilBro · Post by **lilBro** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 12:23 pm

Hello, just me again

I'm trying to choose a new clutch kit for lilBro.
I need some info as soon as possible, I need to order the parts immediately.

I've got two choices:

Hays Super Brute
(part# HAY-90-237 ) cost: ~$219.95
Counterweight assist: NO
Pressure plate, disc, throwout bearing & alignment tool incl.

Centerorce dual friction
(part# CTF-DF009032 ) cost: ~$282.95
Counterweight assist: YES
Pressure plate and disc only

I'm only guessing that these are the right part numbers because the dummies at Summit apparently think the motor size is how you determine your tranny type
Crackheads

Strangely enough, I also can't seem to find a throwout bearing for individual sale for my application.

Anybody know what the drawbacks/benefits would be to having counterweight assist (or not)?

THANKS!

Post by **Nobody** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 1:15 pm

You shouldn't need anything more than a run of the mill clutch from your local parts store, Napa, shucks,autozone etc...

If you are having problems with burning them up, then you either need to adjust your driving habits, or upgrade other components, mainly gears. Buy an OEM clutch, and put the rest toward some gears. I think the OEM clutches are around $140.

The only time I'd really recommend a Hi-performance clutch is if you've already regeared, or you're into racing, with high RPM launches and fast shifts etc...

The counter weights make the clutch hold tighter at higher RPM

ranger5.0 · Post by **ranger5.0** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 6:27 pm

I went with a stage one center-force clutch. the plate and throw-out bearing were factory ford parts and the pressure plate had the centrifical weights on it. It really made a difference when I would do highway speeds. Got rid of the high gear shudder. You also got a light clutch pedal. I would just order the pressure plate from centerforce and get the napa disc and throw out bearing.

lilBro · Post by **lilBro** » Wed Jun 29, 2005 8:20 am

Thanks for the input.

I'm leaning towards the Hays, the difference in price means I could afford to replace the slave with an upgrade while I'm in there, which would be kinda nice since I'm pretty sure it's the original slave cylinder from '87.

I have a hard time trusting O.E. clutch discs.
Worked in an AAMCO back east, and just saw too many of them fail, or with what I would call intolerable differences in quality.

I've looked at the replacement spec discs, and they suggest the application is best suited for a vehicle without gearing, tire size, or performance enhancements. I think I'll kill it.

The Centerforce seems to be marketted for the racer types. Although I do drive it fast for what it is, I'm not a tire-barker or donutter, so not quite my application.

The Hays is for plowing and towing applications, which I think might be more what I need.
I do use the truck daily for work, and haul heavy boxes filled with documents (pack the cargo area to the roof) so the application seems pretty close.
it also comes with the tool and the throwout, both which I would still have to buy, so that makes it an even better bargain.

I do wish I could change my driving habits, but until I get outta the bay area I can't see it happening unfortunately..drivers here SUCK and have no good sense or consideration at all.

I for SURE need gears.
Realistically speaking though that isn't going to happen until next year when finances allow.
I would rather get the axles I want in it (8.8 and D44) with the gears, than buy new gears for the axles that I plan to remove.

For the Centerforce, sounds like you're saying the real significant improvement with their design is the pressure plate?

Rockcrawler · Post by **Rockcrawler** » Wed Jun 29, 2005 10:22 am

what ever you do dont get a napa clutch! I got a brand new from them and it was worse then the clutch i took out! Napa sucks i never buy anything from them.

ranger5.0 · Post by **ranger5.0** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 9:49 pm

The stage one is 30% more holding power than stock. Stage two is I believe is 60% with the dual friction disc. The stage one is not a all or nothing clutch. I works much like the stock one but doesn't tend to slip under load. The stage three is all out racing. Yes the pressure plate is the only difference in a stage one. I have installed two of the centerforce stage one systems. The second time I just ordered the preesure plate and then used a napa or carquest part. The 85' BII had 34" buckshots, a 2.8L, and 4:10's and I never noticed a clutch silp (even in the Moses lake sand and Sand Lake dunes) until I submarined the BII in a mud hole at Walker Valley. A bunch of little sticks wedge the pressure plate open. I was happy with the product.