How long will it last?

[crash-harris]

Finally figured out how to check the DMF yesterday in the parking lot at work. While sitting for 30 minutes waiting on a space to open up, I heard a new extra clacking that stopped with the clutch depressed.

This is out of gear, clutch engaged.
(Clicking should take you to my photobucket to watch the short clip)

You must be registered for see images attach

Didn't have a tape measure with me, but looks a good bit over 5/8" of free play. Haven't had any slipping or clunking to hint to the DMF nearing the end of a life cycle, other than being noisy. So about how long do I got doc? Had already be eyeballing a solid flywheel kit...

 

[franklin2]

It may last several more years, or a spring may fly out tomorrow, you never know. On mine it never flew apart, but several of the plastic spring seats were gone.

 

[crash-harris]

I'm just hoping it can make it a few more months. Once I get our backyard fenced in, it's on to getting the floor/exhaust/new brakes in the bronco. Then I plan I can get the DMF replaced with a solid flywheel.

 

[lotzagoodstuff]

Any springs bulging when you inspected it? Could last several more months, could grenade tomorrow. Just an FYI: if you want a solid flywheel and are strapped for cash, you could do a Lucky Mod, lots of info on here on how to do it. No matter what flywheel you end up using, don't forget to use some sealer on the threads holding the flywheel bolts to the crank. Again, plenty of info on here if you search a little bit.

 

[crash-harris]

I couldn't see any springs, although I wasn't really liking for any. Cash isn't really the issue (feels odd saying that), it's time. I work 2nd shifts so weekdays are shot, backed up on to do's, and to top it off, I don't have a single flat surface to work on. #4 gravel or the lumpy yard is as close as I can get without driving to my shop on the other side of the county.

 

[crash-harris]

Anyone ever use an A-E flywheel/clutch kit? Is over $100 less than a South Bend kit for the 87-94 IDI.

 

[madpogue]

If cash isn't an issue -
* Pay someone to do it
* Get AAA and have it towed to your shop across the county (time crunch still applies)

But +1 above; it could let go anytime, or could last for years. You don't really need a tape measure. A knuckle of your index finger is aprx. an inch, and it's moving about that much. I wouldn't expect it to slip, but a clacking noise that goes away when you press the pedal is a good indicator. You might also hear an extra little "cla-clak" when the engine shuts down.

 

[crash-harris]

I have trust issues with the local mechanics. Used to deliver for Autozone and wouldn't put my trucks in their hands. I plan to drive it to my shop this fall and drop the tranny with a rented transmission jack. The ZF5 had just been rebuilt when I bought it a few months ago. Been driving it everyday without issue, I'm just a worry wort as I tend to build my trucks to last. I've done flywheel swaps/clutch replacements on gassers, but understand that this will be heavier. My buddy's 351/ZF5 we did with a transmission jack, but on fine gravel...that was not fun. Hence the need to get my driveway paved

 

[franklin2]

I would get the larger clutch, from what I have seen reported on here they are easier on the leg to push. And if they are easier on the leg, that means they will be easier on the firewall which likes to crack in these trucks. I would say get the quietest one you could get, but it's hard to determine which is more quiet, a lot of it is determined by how your engine is running. I would not recommend the lucky mod if you have the cash. I didn't, I did it, and it works fine, but after a period of time you start to get annoyed by all the noise it makes.

I have heard if you do get one of the larger clutches, your flywheel cover may not fit and need some modifications. I for one don't even run a cover, and have no problems, but I don't run in the mud either. I do run in the snow and slush plowing snow, but not having the cover on it seems not to cause any problems.

 

[typ4]

Valeo or Luk will treat you fine for a clutch.
And what is A_E?

Rock auto has a LUK kit for 320 ish.

 

[crash-harris]

Valeo or Luk will treat you fine for a clutch.
And what is A_E?

Rock auto has a LUK kit for 320 ish.

Looks to be "Autoparts-Express".

 

[crash-harris]

Truck didn't have a cover when I bought it and I always do the largest clutch I can find. Having a 4 ton camper from the 70's demands it. All I have been able to find have been 12" clutches as an upgrade to the stock 11"...which is what I have in my gasser

 

[crash-harris]

You might also hear an extra little "cla-clak" when the engine shuts down.

Indeed I do. I've started disengaging the clutch during shutdown.

 

[crash-harris]

I was finally able to get under the truck and check the DMF out today. I could only see 4 springs, but they were indeed still there along with their seats. I did notice that when I tried to move the flywheel, using a screwdriver for leverage, only one spring would move when I hit the end of the freeplay. Is this just a weak spring, or could there be something else going on inside the flywheel?

 

[BDCarrillo]

Lay down a cheap sheet of OSB or ply over your gravel. Worked for me on an E4DOA torque converter swap