Clutch questions/advice

[MTMike]

I'm clutch shopping for my swap, and wanted some opinions.

Is 12" (11-7/8") worth the extra $?
Is a stock replacement good enough or should I go with a higher performance clutch like a Zoom? I don't want a racing type clutch (on/off) because i need slippage for wheeling

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I have a Centerforce II in mine and I like it a lot (much more than the NAPA replacement that was in there before).

I would go with the 12" clutch.

 

[MNorby]

I'd weld the driveshaft yoke straight to the crank....

oh wait, already discussed that


TTT for ya though

 

[MTMike]

I'd weld the driveshaft yoke straight to the crank....

oh wait, already discussed that


TTT for ya though

 

[skyyk5]

When I did my swap I put a 12" autozone one in, turns out it's made by Zoom. I just pulled it after 3 years of abuse (whenever I split motor/ trans for any reason I replace the clutch with enough time gone by). It looked new still, so new my friend is taking it to put in his dump. The one I just bought only cost about $170.00. - it was a stock replacement I just told the a clutch for a '89 fullsize blazer.

 

[pvfjr]

Autozone can also order a 12" Luk.

Only way I'd go. Do some surface area calculations and you'll see that stepping up to 12" is a significant difference. You'll see it in the clutch's longevity.

 

[tRustyK5]

I went with a Hays 12 1/8" clutch when I swapped in the NV4500 and stuff. Got it from Jeg's, price was good and the extra diameter means tons more holding force without having a brutally heavy clutch.

Heard nothing but good about the Luk clutches though. I was looking for a local supplier and hadn't had any luck, ordered the Hays instead.

Rene

 

[walla2k5]

Centerforce 2, all the way....

 

[nvrenuf]

I've never understood using a Center Force clutch in a wheeler. The idea behind their product is to clamp tighter the harder it's spun, right? Seems like using one in a lower rpm application (like crawling) would be a waste of product and money?

 

[tRustyK5]

My thinking exactly. Same with the dual friction or ceramic puck clutches...both are pretty much 'instant on' which must be a PITA to use for normal driving.

Good job marketing by Centerforce though. Kinda like WD40...the stuff is nearly useless except for displacing water yet it gets used for 10,000 other things that it's no good for because they had a great marketing campaign.

Rene

 

[MTMike]

Thanks for the input, guys!

It looks like I will go with a 12" Zoom or Luk.

I completely agree with tRusty and nvrenuf on the Centerforce deal - if I was mud racing, sure I'd want a "toggle switch" clutch, but not for the kind of wheeling I'm doing.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

The centerforce II is very far from on/off. It has much smoother and easier engagement than the two other clutches that have been in my truck and it has way more grab if you want it. Admittedly the centrifugal weights probably don't do much for me.

I've driven lots of different brand clutches and the centerforces are always my favorite hands down, they perform better in every way.

I did put a LUK clutch in my DD and its good too.

 

[walla2k5]

The centerforce II is very far from on/off. It has much smoother and easier engagement than the two other clutches that have been in my truck and it has way more grab if you want it. Admittedly the centrifugal weights probably don't do much for me.

I've driven lots of different brand clutches and the centerforces are always my favorite hands down, they perform better in every way.

I did put a LUK clutch in my DD and its good too.

I had a big, long reply to those that don't believe, the versatility of the CF2. Then I realized, whats to argue about. So let's just say, I agree with the statement above.
LUK does make the basic components of the CF, good luck boys....