Has anyone used a diaphram cluct versus the original three finger clutch?

[Madman]

Has anyone replaced the original three finger clutch with a newer diaphragm clutch (lots of little arms around the entire circumference)? Was there any modifications required or was it a direct replacement as claimed?

Thanks!

[1972hiboy]

I havent done this with my Ford truck. I went for nos pressure plate and it was three fingers when I last had the engine out. I have however done this with my grandfather truck back in high school. I took out a three finger pressure flate and replaced with with a diaphram pressure plate. It was a direct bolt in. So I guess the whole deal is that the diaphram pressure plate is supposed to be easy to acuate than the three finger one but not as strong as the three finger one. Honestly I never slipped either one of them with power or load but the diphram was a lil easy to put the pedal down which was nice. Grandfathers truck is a 76 c10 shortbed with a sm465. FWIW

[Madman]

Thanks for the input.....I could see a potential improvement in the contact points being greater, just wasn't sure if the mechanism was all direct replacement.

[HIO Silver]

Bolt it on:

[fastEdsel]

I started to report of the clutch problems I was having with my 1964 International 1100A 2 wheel drive on the "Engine" forum but thought this should be shared on this forum at the request of the Moderator. I know it's not a Ford but the clutch doesn't know what it's in. Anyway, as reported the 11 inch clutch and pressure plate was a rebuilt unit purchased from NAPA. Today I picked up my once again rebuilt clutch, pressure plate and also had the flywheel turned. The rebuilders did an excellent job. What the rebuilders found is that two of the three forks were cracked at the pivot point and that is why things went sideways with this unit. Why the previous rebuilders that work for NAPA or others for that matter did not see these obvious breaks is beyond me but thought if any of you folks do purchase rebuilt units for your Ford's, check the pressure plate forks especially at the pivot points before you take it out of the store. Make the parts guy put it on the counter and get in there with a flashlight and check it over. This was a lot of extra work I didn't need and at $530 was an expense I wasn't planning on. I will get it put back together and once again enjoy this truck but what a pain.

[tsherry]

My '67 had a destroyed 3 finger clutch in it when it was given to me. In the process of driving the damaged clutch (obviously would not fully release) the P.O. destroyed the floor shift ball, enlarging the shifter slots that lock into the top of the trans. The 'missing' finger, or its' remains, were found embedded in what was left of the throwout bearing. The other two fingers had visible cracks at the pivot point. The clutch disc looked nearly new. I understand that the engine / clutch had about 5000 miles on them when Things Went Badly.

Changed the clutch to a diaphragm version, fixed the damaged shifter, drained/flushed the metal bits from the transmission, and ten years later, never another problem.

[classic67]

Is there any advantages of doing the swap? Im doing the clutch right now and i was looking into this. If not i will stick with OEM i dont mind the hard pedal.

[1972hiboy]

I think just an easier pedal. Id imagine the idea was more evenly distributing the acuating force of the pressure plate. might make the clutch disk/pressure plate last a bit longer depending on driving style.

[blumule]

I put in 3 different 3 finger clutches over a 10 year period. all remans. they all chattered. broke down and bought a diaphragm centerforce. pure bliss. best choice I ever made.

[390bump]

Using Centerforce also - its great!!

[junkyardjeff]

I have one in my 65 galaxie and now requires more pedal effort so its going back to a 3 fingered pressure plate or a automatic,had two and did not like either one.

[Canonman67]

I swapped out the old three finger for a diaphram and it required less pedal effort. Was a nice change.