Are "Heavy Duty" Clutches Overkill? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69sixpackbee · 05-23-2022, 09:52 AM

Looking to put a new clutch in my '72 C20 with the stock 402 mill. I originally had a Borg & Beck lever style years ago and yanked that stiff POS in favor of a diaphragm style 12". Are to "HD" diaphragm versions that much harder to push? Are they more prone to chatter? Just stick with the stock spec one?

Thanx!
Bud

**kwmech** · 05-23-2022, 10:14 AM

Diaphragm are much easier to push and have the same amount of clamping force as the borg/beck style. Much easier on the linkage and your knee

SCOTI · 05-23-2022, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwmech

Diaphragm are much easier to push and have the same amount of clamping force as the borg/beck style. Much easier on the linkage and your knee

This was my experience w/them as well w/the caveat being a higher end diaphragm vs. lower tier cheap stuff.

69sixpackbee · 05-23-2022, 10:56 AM

Thanx!

**HO455** · 05-23-2022, 03:06 PM

Are you doing anything with the truck that would abuse a regular clutch? Any towing, heavy loads, off roading? If not then I would use a quality factory replacement clutch.

Are you currently having clutch chatter problems?

72SB · 05-23-2022, 06:17 PM

If getting a full-face organic material disc, you won't have chatter. Puc type disc material (ceramic, Kevlar, etc) are more aggressive to hold more power and clutch dumps but are prone to chatter.

Replacement OEM type diaphragm clutches from companies like Valeo, LUK, etc will be fine

69sixpackbee · 05-23-2022, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HO455

Are you doing anything with the truck that would abuse a regular clutch? Any towing, heavy loads, off roading? If not then I would use a quality factory replacement clutch.

Are you currently having clutch chatter problems?

It never chattered or slipped. Once in a while I put my big ol’ 11-1/2’ Lance camper on it to go camping or tow a 16’ trailer to the lumber yard but it’s just a daily driver. Honestly, when I had the clutch changed out years ago I am not sure what the shop put in it but it was definitely easy on my knee and I had zero issues with it in over 12 years. I know they put in a raised diaphragm clutch. I am yanking out the clutch because the T/O bearing is toast.
I just bought a Luk clutch kit and I will see how it goes.

**Accelo** · 05-24-2022, 01:42 AM

I second the Luk clutch kit.
Used and rebuild are junk.
Luk seems to the only reliable clutch manufacture left.

LT7A · 05-25-2022, 03:00 AM

Good Luk! ; )

Let us know if you like it.

05-23-2022, 09:52 AM	#1
69sixpackbee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Sabinal, Texas Posts: 1,706	Are "Heavy Duty" Clutches Overkill? Looking to put a new clutch in my '72 C20 with the stock 402 mill. I originally had a Borg & Beck lever style years ago and yanked that stiff POS in favor of a diaphragm style 12". Are to "HD" diaphragm versions that much harder to push? Are they more prone to chatter? Just stick with the stock spec one? Thanx! Bud

05-23-2022, 10:14 AM	#2
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,650	Re: Are "Heavy Duty" Clutches Overkill? Diaphragm are much easier to push and have the same amount of clamping force as the borg/beck style. Much easier on the linkage and your knee

05-23-2022, 10:56 AM	#4
69sixpackbee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Sabinal, Texas Posts: 1,706	Re: Are "Heavy Duty" Clutches Overkill? Thanx!

05-23-2022, 03:06 PM	#5
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,393	Re: Are "Heavy Duty" Clutches Overkill? Are you doing anything with the truck that would abuse a regular clutch? Any towing, heavy loads, off roading? If not then I would use a quality factory replacement clutch. Are you currently having clutch chatter problems? __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

05-23-2022, 06:17 PM	#6
72SB Registered User Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Moorpark, CA Posts: 775	Re: Are "Heavy Duty" Clutches Overkill? If getting a full-face organic material disc, you won't have chatter. Puc type disc material (ceramic, Kevlar, etc) are more aggressive to hold more power and clutch dumps but are prone to chatter. Replacement OEM type diaphragm clutches from companies like Valeo, LUK, etc will be fine

05-24-2022, 01:42 AM	#8
Accelo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,301	Re: Are "Heavy Duty" Clutches Overkill? I second the Luk clutch kit. Used and rebuild are junk. Luk seems to the only reliable clutch manufacture left.

05-25-2022, 03:00 AM	#9
LT7A Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: PNW Posts: 3,627	Re: Are "Heavy Duty" Clutches Overkill? Good Luk! ; ) Let us know if you like it.

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