Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) SB hydraulics upgrade instructions????

[BJonesUSA]

Can anybody who has installed the upgraded South Bend hydraulics help me out? I've search the forums and found plenty of people who have done it themselves, but I'd kinda like to have something to go by before I start pulling parts. Thanks in advance!

 

[PC12Driver]

It's a pretty quick swap. The hard part is fishing everything through the maze of brake lines, etc on that side of the firewall. Reaching the clip that holds the rod onto the pedal may take a bit of work, too.



It's been a few months, so I'm going from memory:

-unbolt the slave from the transmission



-free up the hydraulic line between the master and the slave (there are a few zip ties holding it in place)



-remove the linkage from the pedal (a clip and a pin - careful with the clip since it's spring loaded and will try to hide)



-while you're on your back under the dash, unplug the clutch interlock switch



-remove the clutch master cylinder from the firewall. There's nothing to unbolt, just twist the whole unit counterclockwise about a 1/8th - 1/4 turn and it will unlock from the firewall. And be careful fishing the assembly out of the truck, so you don't snag any wires and create other problems.



-transfer the starter interlock switch to the new assembly. I managed to bust a clip. A little patience and I wouldn't have had a problem.



-reinstall the new setup in reverse order.



Things to remember on the reinstall:



-swap the old spacer that went between the firewall and the master cylinder to the new master cylinder. It's a little thicker so the assembly will lock to the firewall more securely.



-leave the plastic strap on the slave cylinder until it is bolted in place. The first time you push the pedal it will snap. This will prevent the slave from over extending and will keep the plastic bushing in place during assembly (and make sure you remove the old one).



-I started with the rod adjusted all the way in (between the master cylinder and pedal). I've since adjusted it out a couple of turns (compensate for thick floormats).





I think that's about it. Anyone else?

 

[BJonesUSA]

Hey thanks, that should be enough to get me through the job!

 

[telliott]

that sounds like a pretty good set of instructions. I just did mine a few weeks ago. Its a pretty easy install. you shouldn't have any problems, but like PC12Driver said, the hard part is trying to fish everything through. after that, you'll love them.

 

[SNiebaum]

The hardest part is fishing things to their correct locations... that starter switch is a real bear and was my biggest difficulty. The rest was easy as pie.

 

[PC12Driver]

Oh yeah, speaking of that switch... remember to unplug it before pulling the master cylinder away from the firewall. I'll adjust my destructions accordingly.

 

[ioli]

PC12Driver> I printed out and used your instructions and I thank you. They worked just fine. I also like the quality of the Southbend hydraulic linkage. It was worth the wait. Thanks again.

 

[NDaniels]

My hd hydraulics came with the starter switch already installed. Just installed it about a month ago, along with the clutch (old one finally had enough).

 

[PC12Driver]

PC12Driver> I printed out and used your instructions and I thank you. They worked just fine. I also like the quality of the Southbend hydraulic linkage. It was worth the wait. Thanks again.

You're welcome. Glad they worked for you!

 

[TIngram]

does southbend sell a complete clutch master/slave cylinder set up? how much is it i have been having issues with mine for some time now might be time to change it when it comes back from paint.

 

[jkalchik]

Yes, they do. It has an adjustable rod on the master cylinder, and it's claimed to have a larger bore.

 

[TIngram]

does anyone have their number or website info thanks.

 

[NDaniels]

Here: South Bend Clutch - High Performance clutches, Ford Power Stroke & Dodge Ram Truck clutch kits, feramic and ceramic disks, Kevlar pilot bearings, and heavy duty clutches for passenger/racing cars, agricultural and midsize trucks. I believe mine was around $330 shipped overnight.