C-30 Clutch Confusion

[Richard2112]

I have recently removed my sm465 and am preparing to install a recently rebuilt nv4500 on a very restricted budget. Naturally I want to put the best Centerforce/Lakewood/Hays clutch kit but right now my options are restricted to what I can afford across the board, as in the entire truck rebuild.

I know I will have to have my flywheel ground, replace the mounting bolts, pilot bushing, T/O bearing and disk.

The market offers a replacement kit (Duralast/Autozone) for about $150 for T/O bearing, pressure plate and pilot although the pressure plate is a diaphragm type.

The pressure plate I removed is a Borg Beck, three finger, 12 spring and the disk is a 12 inch (rounding up).

I never had a problem with this combination and I like the idea of 12 springs in the pressure plate so I'm a bit gun shy about replacing it with a diaphram type.

Right now my option to keep this project moving forward is to install the kit offed by autozone, or use the old pressure plate. I know it's good practice to replace both disk and plate as a set but is it completely necessary?

I like the Borg Beck (maybe my inexperience talking here) pressure plate and I am thinking that there was once a way to rebuild them, replace springs and fingers, however that practice seems to have fallen away with time. Perhaps I am wrong about that but a search yields nothing on the subject.

I am thinking about using the set up from Autozone as a temporary fix until such time that I can afford what I want or if possible, until I can rebuild my pressure plate.

Since this is a C30 truck, I am hesitant to use weak parts and am happy to refurbish older parts that have worked well for me.

This is the kit I am sort of relegated to using temporarily, provided it will actually work:

http://www.autozone.com/drivetrain/c...42_121841_6061

I know that I have to check the stack height and ensure the T/O bearing is appropriate and I have purchased a sintered bronze pilot bushing from National.

My questions are this:

Is it possible to rebuild the Borg Beck unit? If so, where can I find information on this?

Also, would it be reasonable to reuse the pressure plate, provided it was in fair condition and how does one check it? The contact surface is not scored though there are some dark (not blue) spots on it and it seems smooth. None of the springs are loose or broken. I never had a problem with the clutch but the disk is worn to the point that there is almost contact with the rivets, not quite but close.

Sorry about all the questions but just can't afford the best right now. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[randy500]

A picture of the blue spots on the pressure plate would help.
Those are rebuildable but I don’t think a kit has ever been offered, obviously rebuildable since you can buy remanufactured units.
I have disassembled and assembled them back in high school auto shop. Checked all spring pressures and heights, etc.
If the clutch worked smoothly then I would just replace the worn disc and forget about it.
I have installed dozens of discs only and many dozens of used clutches with great results, I used to buy a lot of used cars and did the minimum to get the, functioning.
You just have to be willing and able to fix it again if you run into problems...I have had more problems with new clutch installs than replacing discs or installing used clutches.

[randy500]

Would you replace brake shoes or pads without matching or replacing the rotors or drums? Clutch is the same just s bit more work to change out.

[Richard2112]

Thanks Randy. I do intend to upgrade at some later date but right now I have sunk a ton of $ into the trans, crossover, boots, bearings, bolts and miscellaneous such that a super nice clutch isn't in the cards.

However, I have spent the day meticulously cleaning my pressure plate and the marks on the contact surface, which weren't actually blue, mostly came off with a light dusting of 400 grit. No heat cracks, all metal looks good. I'll measure it tomorrow but I anticipate it'll check good.

[Mike C]

I recently bought a replacement B&B clutch from RockAuto for $35. That's not just the disc, but the WHOLE clutch kit! (I love the clearance bin) but $115 gets you the choice of a dozen different clutch setups and some of them are pretty awesome looking.

I debated this as well and instead of the Centerforce bought a performance clutch kit from RockAuto for my 427 that's going in my Vette. So my money is where my mouth is.

Check out the 12" B&B with the ceramic puck inserts for only $95! Anyway, this may give you paralyzing numbers of choices...

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/c...lutch+kit,1993

[Richard2112]

Thanks Mike. Appreciate the link. I have seen some B&B pressure plates with only five and some with only nine springs. I'm sure they work but due to limited experience, i don't want to go with anything less than the thing that has worked well for me. I'll have a look at rock Thanks.

Just looked. There is quite a few options. Great!

[Mike C]

Check out this link. AMS is the parent company of Ram clutches it seems. Get the same technology without the paint for less $$$!

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....0982&jsn=11104

[LockDoc]

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I used a diaphram clutch in my '72 Dually with the NV4500 swap and have had no problems with it. I Pull my 20' tilt bed trailer with it all the time. I have hauled cars, trucks, and tractors on it.

If the pressure plate looks good I would use it.

LockDoc

[Richard2112]

Thanks Doc. Yes my pressure plate looks good and as of now I think I will use it. Later I may consider a diaphragm type and am wondering about peoples experience with them. I have read some good things about them so when it comes down to the next clutch job, I may go with diaphragm. Right now, I'm happy with the B&B type.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Richard2112

Thanks Doc. Yes my pressure plate looks good and as of now I think I will use it. Later I may consider a diaphragm type and am wondering about peoples experience with them. I have read some good things about them so when it comes down to the next clutch job, I may go with diaphragm. Right now, I'm happy with the B&B type.

I have had the Borg & Beck pressure plate in my '36 Ford for years behind a 327 and Muncie M-21 4 speed. During this last rebuild I changed over to the diaphram pressure plate because they are a little easier to push.

LockDoc