Where's the best place to go to find a new clutch? It's for '69 F-100. I was going to wait until I finish the 390 but won't the same set up work for the 360? I noticed it seemed like it was slipping a little bit last weekend. Would now be a good time to have the flywheel resurfaced? TIA

 

You may want to go ahead and get new pressure plate and throwout bearing. Make a determination on resurfacing flywheel after looking it over.

 

Yes, I intend to do the whole thing, pressure plate, throw out bearing. Just wondering where to go to find the parts.

 

390's with a M/T use a larger flywheel and clutch than a 360 does, so unless you are changing flywheels...order the 360 clutch disc and pressure plate. The throwout and pilot bearing are the same for both engines.


Since you are doing clutch work, now it the time to replace the clutch pedal equalizer bar (aka Z bar) bushings, felt washers and snap rings. They're prolly shot. Also replace the two bushings that go on the clutch rod from the pedal to the e-bar. All of these parts are readily available.


2-C1AA-7543-A .. Clutch E-Bar Nylon Bushings

2-358979-S .. Felt Washers

2-97474-S .. Snap Rings

2-C0AZ-7526-A .. Clutch Rod Nylon Bushings

NAPA has the best quality parts of all the autoparts stores and they usually have better parts counter help, too.

 

Thanks a lot, Bill. Especially for all the other tips. There is a NAPA store fairly nearby. I usually go to O'Riellys for everything. Autozone seems to be the Wal-Mart of auto parts. I've been on a first name basis with those guys at O'Riellys for so long, sometimes when I pick up something in there, the manager just says, "I'll catch ya next time". Unless it's a pricey part or something.

 

O'Reilly's is owned by Checker, I do believe. Checker also owns Kragen and Shucks.

All this means: same quality (?) parts in all the stores.

 

Hmm, so you're saying their quality might be suspect? I didn't know. They sponsor the NHRA meet here in Dallas so I always supported them. However, it was NAPA that worked so hard with me to find all the front end parts for my truck without having to buy from China. All American made parts.

 

The threads here from crying and whining members who bought Chinese made auto parts could fill several books. You get what you pay for.

I equate Chinese made parts to oats. There are two types of oats. New ones and used ones...which oats would you rather have?

 

Great analogy, Bill! Yeah, I'll go with new oats anytime. I just couldn't stand the thought of Chinese parts on my old American iron.

 

Two questions to tack onto the original one.

First is what the difference is in the flywheels between 360 and 390. Weight? Is the 390 heavier, and if so, wouldn't it make some sense to have the lighter one? (still heavy because it is in a truck)

Second is what about as far as a better than stock clutch goes. Say, better wearing, grab, etc.

 

Several weeks and a 1000 posts ago I typed the FE flywheel part numbers and what the difference is. Basically it's this: 352/360's use an 11 inch clutch, 390's use an 11 1/2 inch clutch. The bolt circle is larger for a 390, as you can see:

C5AZ-6375-K .. Flywheel-352/360 ~ 12 3/8" bolt circle

C5AZ-6375-L .. Flywheel-390 ~ 12 7/8" bolt circle

 

Ah, so essentially a bigger contact surface, which more often than not will result in longer life and better grab.

 

Thanks for the information on the fly wheels! I have a 390 (not stock) in my 72 highboy and a 360 in my 71 2wd donor truck and was going to swap them now I have to find the set up for the 360, it is hooked to an auto right now...

 

Bill, I have tried NAPA and a local Ford Dealer for these parts. I can't seem to come with the Clutch Rod Nylon Bushings. Any idea who might carry these? TIA.