Clutch Problems Please Help!

[SeventyMach1]

Hey guys, something in my drivetrain has finally broken on me. And it's serious. I can't get the truck to move without getting it started in gear. So now it's stuck in my driveway and I am having to work on it there. I read that a notorious problem is the clutch fork breaking, as it is the weak link in these trucks.


My first question is where can I get a beefier clutch fork? I read that they make the stock one's out of a weaker pot metal.


My uncle at Ford was telling me that some of these have a solid flywheel and some have a dual mass? Mine being an early '99, what does it have? I need to know because I've seen different clutch kits.

Second, what is the best kit for me to buy? I don't want to spend my whole pay check on this. There are no future performance plans, so I don't need anything that is made for high HP/torque truck.


Third, what all should I get for the job? I know I need a clutch kit and fork.

 

[BIG JOE]

I went with a whole replacement set-up from LUK. New Flywheel, clutch plate, throwout bearing and clutch fork assembly. Check out the SDD Site Sponcors for availability.

As far as what you will need ? to do the R&R ? I got the Parts and had FORD do it. Unless you have a purdy well equiped shop... it's a BIG job, with lots of HEAVY pieces'n parts to R&R.

 

[SeventyMach1]

Ok thanks Joe. I'll check the sponsors ... but I still wonder if my truck has the solid flywheel or dual. I guess I wil see once I get it all out.


As far as the whole shop deal ... I would have taken it to my dad's garage, but I cant get the truck to move. I have all the equipment to do it in my driveway, though. So no biggie there. I already have everything disassembled and am waiting for my dad to bring me the tranny jack in a couple of days.

 

[95_stroker]

The SD's have the solid flywheel.

 

[Frankenstien]

Justin.. all the SD's have the Solid Fly wheel, Sounds to me 1 of three things have happened,

Most likely, Bent Fork..

Slave Cylinder failure

pressure plate fingers have failed/worn through by the throughout bearing.

The least expensive route for me was to call South Bend, they have/had a special on clutches, for 500.00, this was/is a 4 puck ceramic-carbon disc, the clutch causes a bit more gear growl than the OEM, however once it gets broke it it holds extremely well.

 

[pdt1081]

Hey guys, something in my drivetrain has finally broken on me. And it's serious. I can't get the truck to move without getting it started in gear.

Check the fluid reservoir for the clutch. I just had this same problem. My slave cylinder started leaking and left me with the exact same symptoms you are describing...except my pedal went to the floor and stayed there. I was able to start the truck in gear, drive 30 miles to work in the morning, then drive 30 miles to the dealer that night. I let the dealer mess with it because I didn't have the time or a good place to do it. Plus they gave me a free loaner car for as long as they had my truck. It took two days for them to replace it because it took a day to get the part.

I plan on replacing my clutch myself after the first of the year, when I have the time and will be able to borrow another vehicle for a few days if needed. If it is just your master/slave you could save a few hundred dollars until you are able to do the entire clutch on your time.

 

[SeventyMach1]

Pdt, Iv'e had the same happen to me in my old Ranger.


But this time .... there's no driving it. It will start in gear ... but not drive. No way I can shift it to another gear without shutting her down. Besides, the reservoir is full and there are no leaks.



Frankenstein, lots of helpful info. there. Thanks alot!

 

[BIG JOE]

FWIW ? What Ever you do.. Be sure you get an Up-graded Fork & Throw-out bearing assembly. The stock stuff isn't as strong as it should be. When I compared the LUK stuff to what came out ? Apples and Oranges.

And.. Check the Tranny In-put shaft bearing, for any out of spec play. Seems as the T-out bearing is going south.. it >CAN< trash that in-put bearing some.

 

[jestersv]

what did you find out

 

[paulkeith]

What? all superduties are solid mass flywheels? Why does SBC sell a solid mass flywheel "conversion" for the 99-03 6spd then?