My 2000 F350 with the 7.3 and ZF6 clutch is beginning to slip. When driving in high gear (overdrive), if I press accelerator all the way the engine rpms will go up without an increase in speed. I looked at the bellhousing and noticed a fair amount of black liquid on the outside and maybe coming from inside bellhousing. I think this is dirty diesel leaking from the fuel filter housing (I know the drill for repairing this) and washing filth from the valley then going around bellhousing. I was wondering if anyone has had a slipping clutch due to contamination like this, or if more likely the clutch just wore out after 105k miles of heavy hauling. Any advice on where to purchase a new clutch. Are the OE ones from dealer any better than some of the aftermarket suppliers? I plan on keeping the truck for quite a while and haul a lot of weight in the truck. I've done many clutches in my time including T-18 and T-19, but haven't removed a ZF6 before and was wondering if there is anything special I should know like is it considerably heavier than say a 4r100? Is it recommended to replace anything other than pressure plate, disk and t.o. and pilot bearings, like the slave cylinder at the same time? Thanks for advice

 

Southbend or Valair make good clutches. Make sure to get the kevlar pilot bushing when you do the change. I'd also recommend changing out the hydraulics at the same time since the slave always seems to fail not to long after the clutch replacement.

Ford does sell a nice pre-bled clutch hydraulic system that is just plug and play. Rubberduck down in the OBS section knows where to order a Valair clutch. Supposedly if you mention Cody with Death Row Diesel, you get a good deal.

I don't remember the yeas involved, but there was also an issue with a weak clutch fork. An upgraded fork is available, and the swap was not needed on my 02. With you're being an 00 model, it's worth doing a little research.

 

Thanks for advice. Sorry for my ignorance, but can anyone tell me what the OBS section is? Thanks, Kurt.

 

I went with the Valair that is rated at 400hp/900tq. I've had it in for about 5 months now and really like it. Pedal is firm, not soft like you can get with some of them. Here is the link.
Performance Clutch - Ford PowerStroke

 

I've found I can get the Valair Heavy Duty for $315.87 and have locally found Valeo (original equipment manufacturer) for $425, but have also found LUC from Autozone for $443. The warranty is best from Autozone lifetime, and they will exchange it for any reason if it fails. Any experience with LUC clutches?

 

You dont want a Luc clutch unless you like a very heavy clutch feel. I have a southbend and love it!!!! Talk to Clay at RiffRaff Diesel and he can get you set up.

riffraffdiesel.com