12" clutch upgrade, need new flywheel?

[warhog]

I posted in my other thread, but i'd like to get some attention in case I need to order more parts before the weekend. My truck's finally undergoing it's heart transplant so what better time to replace the clutch than now? i've seen some raves about south bend so I called them up today but he made it seem like I was asking for a lugnut off a covered wagon. Pretty much told me they (south bend) don't make clutches for them anymore, as you can no longer buy parts/flywheels for them. Seemed pretty strange, seeing how many of our generation trucks are still on the road and most certainly not all on the original clutch.

He did some searching through wherever they store stuff, and found "the last kit." It's a basic stock "heavy duty" upgrade, and I believe he said it was 12". Some reading on another board through google, suggests some members have found the stock flywheel to already have holes for the 12". Anyone here confirm that? Or do I need a new flywheel from somewhere now? If I do need one, any possible chain stores I could look into?

 

[dgr]

So why do the idiots list it on their website if they don't make it? I would take my money somewhere that wants it.

Being that they call it a stock upgrade, I would suspect that your flywheel is drilled for it and Ford saved $2 by putting in an 11" clutch

Good luK. I wonder if that was a typo

 

[RLDSL]

Call Ft Wayne Clutch. REally great folks there and when you have REAL questions, they will have you talking with one of the guys in the shop. I've bought a couple of clutches from them, the best service ever, just great folks to deal with. I have one of their rebuilt kevlar 12 1/4" clutch setups with a solid flywheel . linked up to my 7.3- zf5 setup That clutch is pure joy as it has so much friction that it doesnt require an uber stoutly sprung pressure plate to hold it from slipping, so I can tow heavy and have the leg pressure of a sports car

 

[Dave Barbieri]

The 12" upgrade is a great idea. You don't have to modify anything and it gives you more clutch gripping surface. The first time I replaced my clutch, it's what I reinstalled. It was a Valeo unit. Worked great, same pedal feel and has pulled/hauled whatever I loaded up and never slipped. I'm overhauling my engine in December and it'll get another one. Never understood why Ford just didn't install the 12" from the git-go.

 

[hesutton]

Like Dave said, no mods needed for the 12 inch clutch. Had one (South Bend) on my F250 for 6 years and it has worked very well. Whatever clutch kit you get and whoever you get it from, be sure to pack the new throwout bearing with high quality grease before you install it. They rarely have adequate grease from the factory.


Heath

 

[WhiskeyBottle2]

Valeo

The 12" upgrade is a great idea. You don't have to modify anything and it gives you more clutch gripping surface. The first time I replaced my clutch, it's what I reinstalled. It was a Valeo unit. Worked great, same pedal feel and has pulled/hauled whatever I loaded up and never slipped. I'm overhauling my engine in December and it'll get another one. Never understood why Ford just didn't install the 12" from the git-go.

Hey Hey Hey to the Valeo set-up...That's what I went to when I replaced my 4 speed to the zf-5 tranny. I also added more grease to the new throw-out bearing as well as invested in a new clutch fork to go with...Easy clutching with no strain and it has been pulling my 8800 lb. 5th wheel like a champ. If and when I ever need another one, Valeo is the way I will be going....just saying and agreeing...

 

[89greendiesel]

So why do the idiots list it on their website if they don't make it? I would take my money somewhere that wants it.

Being that they call it a stock upgrade, I would suspect that your flywheel is drilled for it and Ford saved $2 by putting in an 11" clutch

Good luK. I wonder if that was a typo

ahh, i see what you did there.....very clever

 

[warhog]

Thanks for the information and tips guys! The part about it being on their site is what got me. I wonder if they aren't going to make it any longer and just haven't removed it from their website. Though I paid extra, I did appreciate them willing to get it out to me asap (it was shipped out shortly after I got off the phone, and shows on vehicle for delivery today! But we'll see if it shows up). The guy I spoke with today seemed a lot more polite and profesional but couldn't tell if it was the same guy. Maybe he was just having a bad day.

Next time I need a clutch, I'll check out ft wayne and go from there. Glad to hear it'll bolt up fine! Can't wait to get the package.

 

[warhog]

yay, just got delivered. I forget what other packages i'm waiting on now! Tomorrow should be my new radiator!

 

[dgr]

You should put it on ebay. Being the last one and all.

 

[warhog]

You should put it on ebay. Being the last one and all.

But i want it


That wouldn't be a bad idea except for two issues. 1. if the guy was full of crap. and 2. then i have no clutch lol

 

[lotzagoodstuff]

Call Ft Wayne Clutch. REally great folks there and when you have REAL questions, they will have you talking with one of the guys in the shop. I've bought a couple of clutches from them, the best service ever, just great folks to deal with. I have one of their rebuilt kevlar 12 1/4" clutch setups with a solid flywheel . linked up to my 7.3- zf5 setup That clutch is pure joy as it has so much friction that it doesnt require an uber stoutly sprung pressure plate to hold it from slipping, so I can tow heavy and have the leg pressure of a sports car

+1 on the Forth Wayne kevlar unit, I really like mine.

I realize you have a kit and are ready to put yours in, but you might want to think about the upgraded input bushing if it's still available.

Good luck.

 

[RLDSL]

X2 on the pilot bushing. You should really ditch the roller pilot bearing and get a Kevlar pilot bushing. No needles to mess up and dislodge while installing, and no worries about it running out of grease, it wont hurt the thing. I normally get them from Ft Wayne, but in a jam, Napa carries the things if someone were in a hurry, they just charge a bit more and they dont appear to be as good a quality ( they seem softer, but in the 2 weve installed, neither failed)