Clutch recommendations.....
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Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 97
Likes: 22
From: Tucson, AZ
Clutch recommendations.....
My 2 year old autozone clutch is going out, imagine that! Im looking for some recommendations on a new one. Truck is a 96' F-350, CCLB, 4x4, ZF5. Occasional towing, mostly a single car, bumper pull trailer, 5000-6000lbs, 6-8% grade at alttitude. I do see a gooseneck 2 car trailer in my future. Truck has mild mods, electric fuel, hydra tuner, intercooler, 3" downpipe, and a .84 KC Turbo.
I'm looking at the usual three, the LUK, Valair, and South Bend. Just wondering how much I really need to spend to get a reliable clutch, also dont want a really stiff pedal if I can avoid it.
What are you all running and how long has it been holding up and under what sort of use? Thanks in advance.
I'm looking at the usual three, the LUK, Valair, and South Bend. Just wondering how much I really need to spend to get a reliable clutch, also dont want a really stiff pedal if I can avoid it.
What are you all running and how long has it been holding up and under what sort of use? Thanks in advance.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,253
Likes: 7,683
From: Chino Valley, Arizona
I am at about 200,000 miles on my LUK, I have changed the throw out bearing 2 times. up until 2019 I towed all the time with it. and towed heavy, when I would get my hay for the year I would be over 26,000 lbs. towing that from Grand Junction CO. to Prescott AZ.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,211
Likes: 1,341
From: Bahstun
I went with LUK Rep set.
only 5 k on it
Got it from Summit racing and was damaged in shipping. They shipped out a whole new set the net day. Great service IMO
Get a new clutch fork, lube with molly, they gall up and make for a stiff pedal.
Drain MC by dipping in a rag to soak up fluid and replenish fluid made a difference with mine
only 5 k on it
Got it from Summit racing and was damaged in shipping. They shipped out a whole new set the net day. Great service IMO
Get a new clutch fork, lube with molly, they gall up and make for a stiff pedal.
Drain MC by dipping in a rag to soak up fluid and replenish fluid made a difference with mine
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,552
Likes: 2,034
From: North Texas
My truck had the Luk 13" SMF kit on it (double organic face) when purchased, worked well. I swapped as trans failed and I had to rebuild it as well as unknown mileage clutch PLUS fly had many hot spots, plus was to purchase (and did) larger injectors. I have the South Bend OFE clutch currently, works fine once you know how aggressive it is upon first grab. 100% do not recommend with small or stock injectors. SBC uses the Luk style fly, not the Valeo if that helps. I would have your fly turned if known good and square (well round 
), too much junk around now to risk a cheapo replacement.
I read the 13" Luk will hold 160/0s towing heavy on here, no experience.
Also agree to flush the clutch master when you do your brakes. Easy to let gravity do the work.
), too much junk around now to risk a cheapo replacement. I read the 13" Luk will hold 160/0s towing heavy on here, no experience.
Also agree to flush the clutch master when you do your brakes. Easy to let gravity do the work.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 797
Likes: 357
From: Arkansas
My truck had the Luk 13" SMF kit on it (double organic face) when purchased, worked well. I swapped as trans failed and I had to rebuild it as well as unknown mileage clutch PLUS fly had many hot spots, plus was to purchase (and did) larger injectors. I have the South Bend OFE clutch currently, works fine once you know how aggressive it is upon first grab. 100% do not recommend with small or stock injectors. SBC uses the Luk style fly, not the Valeo if that helps. I would have your fly turned if known good and square (well round ), too much junk around now to risk a cheapo replacement.
I read the 13" Luk will hold 160/0s towing heavy on here, no experience.
Also agree to flush the clutch master when you do your brakes. Easy to let gravity do the work.
), too much junk around now to risk a cheapo replacement.I read the 13" Luk will hold 160/0s towing heavy on here, no experience.
Also agree to flush the clutch master when you do your brakes. Easy to let gravity do the work.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,552
Likes: 2,034
From: North Texas
What model clutch from SBC did you use?
I over clutched with the OFE as I wanted 238/100 initially. Settled upon 205/30 and probably would be fine with their dual HD organic aka 425hp clutch.
Also, it seems to drive easier the more power the is put into it. If that makes any sense.
I over clutched with the OFE as I wanted 238/100 initially. Settled upon 205/30 and probably would be fine with their dual HD organic aka 425hp clutch.
Also, it seems to drive easier the more power the is put into it. If that makes any sense.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 797
Likes: 357
From: Arkansas
What model clutch from SBC did you use?
I over clutched with the OFE as I wanted 238/100 initially. Settled upon 205/30 and probably would be fine with their dual HD organic aka 425hp clutch.
Also, it seems to drive easier the more power the is put into it. If that makes any sense.
I over clutched with the OFE as I wanted 238/100 initially. Settled upon 205/30 and probably would be fine with their dual HD organic aka 425hp clutch.
Also, it seems to drive easier the more power the is put into it. If that makes any sense.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 97
Likes: 22
From: Tucson, AZ
Summit has a luk clutch for $380, not much more than I paid for the autozone clutch/flywheel. Would this be a reliable option for my setup?
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/l...RoCQokQAvD_BwE
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/l...RoCQokQAvD_BwE
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 530
From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak
isn't valair the OEM on these. I've heard Luk is just as good. when I do the clutch in my ZF6, I'm going with southbend though.
I think Luk can be bought locally from Napa, possibly others; however probably not at the prices that can be found online, IDK
I think Luk can be bought locally from Napa, possibly others; however probably not at the prices that can be found online, IDK
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 182
Likes: 31
From: San Jose, CA
I replaced my original clutch at 285,000 with a LUK SMF, new clutch fork & bearings and replaced master clutch cylinder and slave at the same time. I have 30K on the new setup. It all works fine except, I don't like the run out noise but getting used to it.
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