Clutch conversion
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: Voorhees NJ
Clutch conversion
I have a80 f250 with mechanical clutch. Can I convert it to a hydraulic setup, and how difficult? Parts needed? Can I just swap out from a later model that has that setup?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
Do you have a good reason? The best reason is usually swapping in a 5 speed with overdrive. They are all setup for the hydraulic clutch.
If you have the granny gear 4 speeds, you will need a later bellhousing that is setup for the slave cylinder. Some had the internal slave, but they usually were the 302 and smaller engined trucks. You will need the hydraulic pedal assembly, and you will need to drill the holes in the firewall.
Most people would rather have the mechanical setup, it didn't have the firewall cracking problems.
If you have the granny gear 4 speeds, you will need a later bellhousing that is setup for the slave cylinder. Some had the internal slave, but they usually were the 302 and smaller engined trucks. You will need the hydraulic pedal assembly, and you will need to drill the holes in the firewall.
Most people would rather have the mechanical setup, it didn't have the firewall cracking problems.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 26
From: NJ
It's just a bellhousing swap, but the problem is finding a bellhousing with provision to mount a slave cylinder. Also be sure to get a reinforcement plate for the firewall or it will crack.
I had an '83 with z-bar clutch and it was fine aside from the ridiculous amount of frame flex changing the clutch engagement point and in some conditions preventing release of the clutch. I got stuck in one such situation in a very steep incline narrow path trees real close all around and with the rear of the truck in deep water. Couldn't make it up, rolled back and made a second attempt, stalled and couldn't get it out of gear. Took a good while to get another truck in that tight space to strap up and relieve tension on the gears to start it and was able to get unstuck with both trucks running. Not fun and frame flex is a very good reason to swap to a hydraulic clutch. For a pavement queen I'd prefer mechanical though, for simplicity and reliability.
I had an '83 with z-bar clutch and it was fine aside from the ridiculous amount of frame flex changing the clutch engagement point and in some conditions preventing release of the clutch. I got stuck in one such situation in a very steep incline narrow path trees real close all around and with the rear of the truck in deep water. Couldn't make it up, rolled back and made a second attempt, stalled and couldn't get it out of gear. Took a good while to get another truck in that tight space to strap up and relieve tension on the gears to start it and was able to get unstuck with both trucks running. Not fun and frame flex is a very good reason to swap to a hydraulic clutch. For a pavement queen I'd prefer mechanical though, for simplicity and reliability.
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