Hydraulic Clutch Conversion

[68 C10 Driver]

I am looking to install a hydraulic clutch to replace the old mechanical system. This will make it easier to operate and also do away with stretched cables and Z bar issues in the future.

I would like to see how you mounted your clutch master cylinder and whether or not you use a hydraulic throw-out bearing or traditional slave piston to release the clutch.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[typerr]

Originally Posted by 68 C10 Driver

I am looking to install a hydraulic clutch to replace the old mechanical system. This will make it easier to operate and also do away with stretched cables and Z bar issues in the future.

I would like to see how you mounted your clutch master cylinder and whether or not you use a hydraulic throw-out bearing or traditional slave piston to release the clutch.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

CaptainFab sells a great kit on this forum for mounting the master cylinder to the firewall. I've had great results with my setup. Search in the vendor section.

I previously ran a Mcleod hydraulic throughout bearing with my T-5 setup and never had any issues although it was a major pain to bleed. With my new TKX I'm going to try a more traditional external slave I bought as a kit from Novac.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by typerr

CaptainFab sells a great kit on this forum for mounting the master cylinder to the firewall. I've had great results with my setup. Search in the vendor section.

I previously ran a Mcleod hydraulic throughout bearing with my T-5 setup and never had any issues although it was a major pain to bleed. With my new TKX I'm going to try a more traditional external slave I bought as a kit from Novac.

Thanks, I will do a search and check it out. Do you have any pics you can post of what your install looks like?

Cheers-

[LS short box]

I used the Captain Fab kit with T56/LS swap and it worked great. Here's a pic of the firewall side.
I have also used a Novak Adapters external slave on a Wrangler LS/AX15 swap. Good folks to work with. I had to make a stop so I didn't over center the clutch.

[LostMy65]

How much easier is the hydraulic clutch on the leg vs the mechanical clutch?

[68 C10 Driver]

I opted for the Speedway hydraulic clutch conversion and will use a slave cylinder as opposed to the hydraulic throw-out bearing.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

How much easier is the hydraulic clutch on the leg vs the mechanical clutch?

A lot easier. Nice thing is you never have to worry about the cable stretching out anymore.

[franken]

Which GM trucks use a cable?

[68 C10 Driver]

I believe it is all of them...at least through 1972 as far as I know, beyond that I am not sure. I don't know when the hydraulic clutches on trucks became 'normal'.

[LostMy65]

Before the 67-72 (63-66) they used linkage.
However, 60-62 were hydraulic.

[Mryan]

I used Captanfab's kit with a Novak kit on my 71 4x4. My first slave cylinder leaked but Novak took care of it quickly. If you still need or want pics I can get them for you.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Before the 67-72 (63-66) they used linkage.
However, 60-62 were hydraulic.

I wonder why they went away from the hydraulic clutch?

[franken]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Before the 67-72 (63-66) they used linkage.
However, 60-62 were hydraulic.

My 69 and 72 both were/are linkage and Z-bar so I suspect they all were...

[67 twins]

Originally Posted by 68 C10 Driver

I believe it is all of them...at least through 1972 as far as I know, beyond that I am not sure. I don't know when the hydraulic clutches on trucks became 'normal'.

What are you talking about NONE of these trucks had a clutch cable.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by franken

My 69 and 72 both were/are linkage and Z-bar so I suspect they all were...

You are right, it is linkage. It has been so long since I tore this truck apart...

I remember pulling out the z-bar and seeing how worn out the pivot ball was mounted to the engine block. The hydraulic clutch will look so much cleaner without the Linkage set-up.

Thanks for straightening me out! This is my first C10 build.

Now when it comes to MGBs, I can do those in my sleep!

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by franken

My 69 and 72 both were/are linkage and Z-bar so I suspect they all were...

Yeah, I was just talking about what I knew about 60-66. I have little knowledge of 67-72.
I only ended up in this thread because I'm reading up on hydraulic clutch options. The mechanical/linkage clutch just kills my leg.

[68 C10 Driver]

I chose the Speedway hydraulic clutch because 1) the reinforcing plate supplied looked thicker than Capt. Fab's, not to take way from his product, 2) it appears that my 11 inch brake booster will not interfere with the clutch master cylinder.

I am going to paint the reinforcing plate the color of the truck, make it less conspicuous.

[1968 K20]

I welded onto the brake booster bracket, using a slave with regular throw out bearing.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by 1968 K20

I welded onto the brake booster bracket, using a slave with regular throw out bearing.

Where did you get your clutch master cylinder? Who makes it?

[1968 K20]

It is for a 1992-95 Chevy K2500 from Auto Zone. It came complete with the Master, slave, and the line but I had to change the line to make it work. I have a 1992 NV4500 transmission so the slave bolted right up to the bellhousing with no problem.