Notices
Offroad & 4x4
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

clutch options

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 14, 2004 | 10:56 PM
  #1  
hoxiii's Avatar
hoxiii
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,711
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh
clutch options

What kind of clutch options do i have for a truck with a mildly built 300 run through a T-18 that will be offroaded? I'm shooting for about 180hp and 330lbs of torque. I have a stock clutch now (about 10k on it) and just driving it around town it barely has enough grab (everything is adjusted right) and towing forget about it. Once it grabs it's great, it's just getting it to grab that isn't easy. I'm going to be gearing down, but tiring up so i'm going to wind up about equivalent to what I have now (about 3.12's vs. 3.08's), but will have more torque to counter with, too.

A setup with either a heavier plate and stock disc or a stock plate and stickier disk would be about right. I have nothing against an increase in pedal pressure, but my dad complains about how stiff the clutch is now. He doesn't drive it often, but once it goes 4x4, I see it disappearing on weekends. (he has his own, a nissan xterra, but it's new so he doesn't want to mess it up. . . yet)

Who out there makes heavier plates for the 300? Will a 302 or 351 plate work or are they balanced differently? What about performance discs? It has the 11" setup in it.

Justin

EDIT: The truck is a daily driver.
 

Last edited by hoxiii; Feb 14, 2004 at 10:59 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2004 | 09:44 AM
  #2  
first time 4x4's Avatar
first time 4x4
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Lorain, Ohio
You could try dialaclutch.com to see if they have a setup for you. I just bought a pro-gold setup for my truck and will be installing as soon as it gets here(tuesday). Will put up a post on how it performs. I went with the Luk pro-gold kit for increased clamping force and also because my buddy went to it after a centerforce and says he likes it better. I talked to a custumer rep on the phone and they insured me I will have plenty of clamping force to turn my 38's. Hope this helps.
 
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2004 | 11:37 AM
  #3  
monsterbaby's Avatar
monsterbaby
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 18,423
Likes: 9
From: iowa
I have run the centerforce dual friction clutches with good results, or even one of the centerforce preasure plates, these use wieghts and centrifical force to put more clamping power on, but are still not too heavy on the clutch pedal preasure.
As far as different balance your flywheel should be the only part that will make a difference on engine balance, the clutch itself better be zero balanced
 
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2004 | 12:37 PM
  #4  
proeliator's Avatar
proeliator
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 3
From: Oregon
Yea, generally speaking you want to buy the best clutch and pressure plate your wallet can afford. Centerforce, Mcleod, all have good stuff. Since you already have an 11" setup you probably don't need to drill for a 12"...just put in a quality plate and clutch. I don't think I need to mention that you need to make sure the boot around your clutch fork needs be uncracked and well sealed. A little mud and grit in there and you have the problems your describing...
 
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2004 | 06:25 PM
  #5  
hoxiii's Avatar
hoxiii
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,711
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh
The boot around the clutch fork was replaced when the tranny that is currently in it was put in by the PO (about 10k ago). It got a transmission, clutch, and pressure plate all at the same time. When I pull it all apart I'll check it out, see if anything did manage to get in there.

At what point in the centerforce line does the clutch become more of an "on/off" than letting you slip at all? what about the Luk clutches? My experience with dual friction discs is that it turns into a toggle switch, either all or nothing (of course this is with air cooled VW's).

I'd rather be over clucthed than under clutched, but would really like to be just right.

Justin
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:16 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE