Clutch types and strengths/weaknesses

[Wrench]

Hey y'all,

Got a couple clutch assemblies kicking around and thought I'd ask what the differences are and what the advantages/disadvantages might be for each.

First is off a 93 6.5TD, I know it's not factory, pressure plate is stamped LuK

Second is off a 350 SBC. Notice the clutch center is different and the relative width of the clutch surface, also the spring setup in the pressure plate.

Is either of these a "high hat" clutch design?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

First is off a 93 6.5TD, I know it's not factory, pressure plate is stamped LuK

Pretty common for OEM's to use LUK clutches

 

[Wrench]

I didn't know that, thanks. However, it's also my understanding that the 6.5 diesels in those years used a dual mass flywheel from factory? and this one has a solid flywheel. I was reading up a little and came across this info from www.dialaclutch.com

"Aftermarket technicians recognize the original equipment Dual Mass Flywheel as a complex and costly replacement. LuK responded with the development of their patented series Damper Disc.This highly efficient design contains coil springs that compress in series to absorb and isolate undesirable and potentially destructive engine vibrations.. The effectiveness of this disc in dampening vibrations eliminated the need for the Dual-Mass Flywheel."

I noticed that the 6.5 clutch (top picture) had way more springs in the center than the other one--is it possible it's the Damper Disc the website was talking about?

 

[blazin_blazer]

imo....the second pic...that Borg & beck style clutch pressure plate has better clamping force, may have just been that the diaphragm type pressure plate was fatigued when i swapped in the Borg & beck style? it held better!

several months later, i swapped factory clutch disk to the button style brass/ceramic disk w/Borg & beck style pressure plate and no clutch slippage...none...can't make it slip...its either engaged or disengaged....next time I'm going back w/ same ram button disk and a centerforce centrifugal pressure plate if they will work together...will cross that bridge later

the ram ceramic/brass button disk is not phased by water, sometimes it holds better when wet, b/c water washed away the residual dust, letting it hold better....just my $.02

 

[dyeager535]

It's pretty typical to hear that the 3 finger style clamps better. From my experience it's also terrible to drive smoothly, unlike the diaphragm style.

I suppose it depends on how you drive the truck. I really like having the smooth, easy to push clutch on my truck, but if I towed much weight, it might fail pretty shortly. I've towed and pulled +3K with the clutch and had no problems, but that's really not much weight. Only time I've ever had it slip was when I stupidly left it in 4th and tried to accelerate from about 15MPH.