Took my clutch out again today - ???

[DDeFreece]

Second one this year to tear up. Just driving it to work. 4BT/NV4500 w/chevy bellhousing, 12 in. clutch from a big block chevy.



Just got it out today. Both times (this year) the springs loosened up and popped out. It appears that they are compressing to the point they stay compressed, vibrate around, wear the clutch metal out to the point they just fall out.



I am calling Southbend Monday, but would like opinions on this so I can check other things. Can there be anything, other than the clutch being underrated, that would cause this?



Misalignment? How much misalignment would it take?



Is anyone else on this planet having problems with chevy clutchs behind a 4bt? Any legend or lore? Tales you heard in passing? Oo.



Thanks

 

[NIsaacs]

I am using the Chevy 12" in my "74" Ford w/5. 9. I have not found one that will stand up to the torque, like you, the springs compress to the point of failure of the stop pins and hub. The best one I have found, is the factory "Luk" that the Chevy vans use w/4bt, however it fails too. I have one now from a distributor of "Spec" clutchs made for the 6. 2 w/ 600 hp, however it looks scarry too. I don't use the truck much anymore but if i did I think I would go with a body lift and use the sae #2 with the 14". I don't think anything any bigger will fit in the Chevy bellhousing.





"NICK"

 

[DDeFreece]

Due to time considerations, I went with another off the shelf clutch.



I got a Luk, 1990-1993, Chevy 1 ton with the 6. 2L, HD Clutch disc w/Kevlor, 12". My fingers are crossed, but I don't have a real warm fuzzy feeling about it. It sure was pretty though.



LtAlessi used the Dodge 13" in his M715 and didn't have problems. but, to switch over to dodge adapter plate, flywheel, dodge hyd clutch, clutch kit, input shaft, may be too expensive.



I think I'd rather go auto next. I don't want to change the clutch again. And again, and again...



Any more details on the SAE#2 and 14"? I'll start researching it if you can give me a start.



Thanks for the info.

Doug

 

[NIsaacs]

Yes, I hear ya about no time to shop around, when the sucker goes out ya need one fast, huh? The factory Chevy 6. 2 is better then the gasser big block but not much. The kevlar lining is also too aggressive and actually shortens the life of the springs/hub.



The SAE #2 type industrial bellhousings will fit the Cummins and offers a bunch of clutch/transmission combos, however it is big and most vehicles will need a body lift. When I built my Ford I started with one but at the time I didn't want to do a body lift, so I went with the 12" Chevy. Knowing what I do now, I would have used it. I don't think you will be happy with an auto and the low RPM of the 4bt.





"NICK"

 

[DDeFreece]

I'll cut the tunnel out to make it fit. Not a problem.



I'll start looking.