Clutch Slave Cylinder

[KEH]

I've seen reference to this in the shop manuals. My truck doesn't have one. I'm going from a 3 speed to a 4 speed trans., & I'm wondering if this is an upgrade I need.

1) what is it?
2) do I need one?

Thanks

[bigvinnie]

If you're talking about 67-72 trucks, they didn't come with em (at least the 1-ton and smaller didn't) and you don't need one unless you're upgrading to a newer style trans and clutch...

Anyone know when they first appeared in chevy trucks? I'm guessing some time in the late 80s...???

[Longhorn Man]

A stock truck has a mechanical linkage. A steel rod that goes from your clutch pedal to the inside of your tranny which physicly disengages the clutch when you put your foot on the pedal.
On a newer set up, it works like the brake pedal. The pedal pushes a piston in a clutch master cylinder, which moves the fluid in a hose, then pushes the slave cylinder, which disengages the clutch.
The pros are;
lighter pedal presure
no linkages to mess with

Cons are
all custom fabbing to install in old trucks
cost of replacement parts
More dot 3 fluid to eat your paint when it springs a leak


Many old school ppl (like many of us on here) like the rod clutch for its simplicity. You can pop the hood and tell if it is all working properly.

[crazy longhorn]

Some of the older pick ups had hyd clutches (early 60s)....crazyL

[KEH]

Good deal...one less thing to do.

Thanks guys.