Best heavy duty clutch kit '78 351M 4 speed?
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 854
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Best heavy duty clutch kit '78 351M 4 speed?
Well, throwout bearing starting to squeal when its cold, I want to get on this before the snow flies.
What is the absolute best, hands down, dead nuts reliable clutch kit for a NP435/351M 4 speed combo?
Truck sees a lot of abuse: (Overloaded, towing, hauling, off road, snow plowing, stump pulling and extended idling) so
im looking for something stockish, yet beefy and dependable that will handle a lot of abuse... but without too much pedal effort..
Thanks!
What is the absolute best, hands down, dead nuts reliable clutch kit for a NP435/351M 4 speed combo?
Truck sees a lot of abuse: (Overloaded, towing, hauling, off road, snow plowing, stump pulling and extended idling) so
im looking for something stockish, yet beefy and dependable that will handle a lot of abuse... but without too much pedal effort..
Thanks!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 333
From: Arlington,Wa
My personal fav is the Borg Warner Brute Power clutch kit. Ran that behind the 400 that was in my F-150 for almost 20 years. Didn't abuse it too much, so I cant speak of how it handled abuse. The pedal pressure wasn't too heavy.
Rock Auto has the kit for about 55 bucks right now. Part number 90204.
Rock Auto has the kit for about 55 bucks right now. Part number 90204.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 687
Likes: 4
From: CT
I put the M-PACT behing the 351M. It did great with towing and getting firewood deep in the woods (lots of 4LO and right pedal) More Information for M-PACT 07033ST1
I trust the RA stuff I put a LUK heavy duty behind the 460 that should push around 400HP that's eventually going to move my truck. For under $200 you can't go wrong.
I trust the RA stuff I put a LUK heavy duty behind the 460 that should push around 400HP that's eventually going to move my truck. For under $200 you can't go wrong.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Montana
I've run a Centerforce I for about 15 years, first behind a 400 and now it lives behind a 460. It's survived towing, hauling, 4-wheeling, burnouts, inexperienced drivers and whatever else I've put that truck through over the years. Although now the throwout bearing is starting to act up.
IMO diaphram clutches have a lighter pedal effort than the 3-finger Borg & Beck. My Centerforce I is certainly lighter, and I recently switched my early Bronco clutch over to a LUK diaphram with the same result.
IMO diaphram clutches have a lighter pedal effort than the 3-finger Borg & Beck. My Centerforce I is certainly lighter, and I recently switched my early Bronco clutch over to a LUK diaphram with the same result.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4
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From: Seattle
I personally like the Centerforce brand. Whatever brand you choose, make sure that you verify the your clutch size before ordering.
I've seen both 11" and 12" clutches in the 351M/400 trucks.
Some flywheels are drilled for both clutch sizes, some are not.
I've seen both 11" and 12" clutches in the 351M/400 trucks.
Some flywheels are drilled for both clutch sizes, some are not.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 279
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From: spokane
This is on my list of to-do as well as my clutch slips with mid/high rpm take offs as well as bearing squeal.
I have an additional question as far as clutch selection goes. In a rig that is used for occasionally hauling a car trailer and dirt/wood/etc, would an OE style replacement be ample? Or should I spend the extra 200 (seems to be about the average price split of OE vs performance) and get the HP/performance upgrade kit?
I have an additional question as far as clutch selection goes. In a rig that is used for occasionally hauling a car trailer and dirt/wood/etc, would an OE style replacement be ample? Or should I spend the extra 200 (seems to be about the average price split of OE vs performance) and get the HP/performance upgrade kit?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Montana
I have an additional question as far as clutch selection goes. In a rig that is used for occasionally hauling a car trailer and dirt/wood/etc, would an OE style replacement be ample? Or should I spend the extra 200 (seems to be about the average price split of OE vs performance) and get the HP/performance upgrade kit?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 279
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From: spokane
Thus is what I assumed, thank you for confirming it for me. Just didn't wanna spent the 100 bucks and regret not just forking over the dough for the performance kit.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 25
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From: Adirondacks
i am happy i came across this thread, i have a 79 400m t18 i just pulled the xfer case and tranny out to have bearings and seals replaced, my clutch was slipping bad in 4th gear from what i read a bad rear main seal will do that i thought for sure because of all the oil, i took everything off and not one spot of oil coming from it just the oil pan however my clutch was whooped. i had a few people tell me to put a stock clutch back in but idk because its a super cab has 35s and a good running motor typical upgrades and im going to use it like a truck, i see people like the centerforce i think i will be happier with that than going stock i only drive it in the summer idc about a harder pedal, just got my flywheel turned today about same price as yours
It's amazing when one looks in the archives of this forum how much personal experience and good old fashion old timer wisdom is here.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,890
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Centerforce is a love it or hate it clutch. I've had good luck with them, always.
The CFT I or CFTII is all you need, the dual friction is great for big power but it's king of grabby. I used a RAM long style in my high boy because the diaphragms can have clearance issues with the steel bellhousing. or so I'm told. if you have the aluminum bellhousing I don't think it's an issue.
The CFT I or CFTII is all you need, the dual friction is great for big power but it's king of grabby. I used a RAM long style in my high boy because the diaphragms can have clearance issues with the steel bellhousing. or so I'm told. if you have the aluminum bellhousing I don't think it's an issue.
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