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Clutch Brands

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by mickeykelley, Mar 15, 2018.

  1. Dec 12, 2018
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2007
    Messages:
    938
    I have Luk in my C101 & my CJ3B, they work well and have been very reliable.
     
  2. Dec 12, 2018
    Rich M.

    Rich M. Shoe salesman 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Maryland
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    Mar 23, 2008
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    2,169
     
  3. Dec 12, 2018
    71CJ54WD

    71CJ54WD Sponsor

    DC
    Joined:
    May 3, 2018
    Messages:
    356
    Luk all the way.

    Sachs is also a good high quality clutch.

    My preference is to replace everything in there with Luk and never see it again.

    Where you can usually save is on the flywheel. If its not heat marked, grooved, or scored you can usually spend 10 minutes with some scotchbrite going back and forth cleaning up the surface (instead of grinding the flywheel).
     
  4. Dec 12, 2018
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2015
    Messages:
    1,900
    I talked to a tech at LUK today and they don't make one now for the CJ's with the 8 1/2" disc, which is for the L/F134. He agreed that he has heard of numerous Chineese junk issues. His suggestion to me, off the record, is to keep the disc and just get it resurfaced, which I had done today while I waited. In my case, the odometer was at 15,000 when I got it but I have no idea how long it had been stuck. When I had the engine gone thru, the rebuilder said that was probably close based on how clean it was inside, lack of cylinder ridges, bearings, etc. So the LUK guy said, if the springs are not all rusted, that 15,000 is nothing and if it was his, he'd just clean that part and move on. The resurfacer said they used to do a ton of them, but parts availability just got too hard so they stopped a few years back. The guy there was an old timer and he said the same if it was his. Keep the old stuff which is way better, clean it up, resurface the disc which is in good condition and move down the road. So that's the plan.
     
  5. Dec 13, 2018
    n6ifp

    n6ifp Member

    San Bruno/...
    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2004
    Messages:
    206
    My centerforce has light pedal pressure. Thats why I went with. Its been in about 8 yrs now and no problems. They can be pricey thou.
     
    dnb71R2 likes this.
  6. Dec 13, 2018
    WestCoastPat

    WestCoastPat Member

    Orting, WA...
    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2015
    Messages:
    132
    Way back in the late 60's, when the V6 was new to JEEPs, The clutch was a soft spot in the drive train. One of the guys in the JEEP club we ran with was a farm mechanic and had nothing but problems with the stock clutch. He did some looking around and found that Clark Forklift had a bolt in setup that was perfect-A little stiff to use but Mark was a big boy and strong as an ox. Never had clutch problems after that.
     
  7. Dec 13, 2018
    fyrmn

    fyrmn Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    High Desert AZ
    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2006
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    198
    What is the quality clutch option for the 4cyl guys? Besides omix or crown.
     
  8. Dec 14, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    From MickeyKelley's post a few back, I'd say having the existing disk relined would be the best option. You can look at the clutch cover and see how much it's worn. Look for blue spots or checking (overheating) on the face, and obvious wear on the pivots. Likely there are rebuilders out there that cater to the classic car market that will reline your disk and rebuild the cover. Check locally, then online or Hemming's Motor News. You pretty much have to have a new throw out bearing. If it's a choice of Crown or Omix, Crown every time. Pilot bushing you can measure and accept or reject.

    RockAuto shows a couple of brands (AMS, Brute Power) that claim to be made in the USA. Might be a good option if your budget can't afford the other options. Inspect carefully, measure where you can, and be ready to reject if the new part looks wrong.
     
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2018
  9. Dec 14, 2018
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
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    4,170
    Keep in mind, the later (mid-'60s up) F134 Jeeps use a 9 1/4" clutch which was much more robust than the 8 1/2" version. Many later (reletively) flywheels were drilled for either pattern/size clutch. Yes, the 9 1/4" clutch requires the larger corresponding pressure plate. Many of these larger clutches are the diaphragm style as opposed to the 3 finger Borg&Beck design. I consider the diaphragm style better than the 3 finger ones.
    -Donny
     
  10. Dec 14, 2018
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
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    3,466
    I've been running OEM NOS Borg Beck driven disks in all my CJ's be it 8-1/2 , 9-1/4 or 10.5".
    If you can't find a genuine Borg Beck find an old rebuilt Borg Beck or an old replacement.
    Something old with absbestos still works just fine if you don't snort it.

    Example....
    Here's a 9-1/4" x 1-1/8" hub version that I'm selling:
    Willys Parts
     
    Bowbender likes this.
  11. Dec 14, 2018
    Bowbender

    Bowbender I'm workin' on it!

    Northern Minn.
    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2014
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    561
    That just made me snort!( I mean laugh...):lol:
     
  12. Dec 16, 2018
    dnb71R2

    dnb71R2 SuperDave 2023 Sponsor

    Grand Mesa, CO
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2006
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    I used Centerforce I disk, plate & TO bearing. I also converted to hydraulic clutch. It’s been great for 2+ years. Cost is secondary for me. I do allot of back country roads alone. Reliability is my #1 concern. This clutch mod is #3 of favorites; BDS suspension is #1 & Saginaw PS is #2.
     
  13. Jul 22, 2020
    RedWing

    RedWing Member

    Sutton Bay
    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2005
    Messages:
    564
    I’m researching clutches at this time as well. I currently have a Centerforce heavy duty. It seems like it takes a ton of leg pressure on the pedal.

    do you think this is because of the heavy duty clutch or just heavy spring pressure with centerforce?

    any recommendations would be very welcomed!
     
  14. Jul 22, 2020
    71CJ54WD

    71CJ54WD Sponsor

    DC
    Joined:
    May 3, 2018
    Messages:
    356
    My Luk clutch has an incredible clutch feel. Most importantly it will hold all a CJ5 V6 can throw at it. I just don't see the utility of a super heavy duty clutch in a small Jeep.
     
    jpflat2a likes this.
  15. Jul 22, 2020
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
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    5,593
    I am another that is using the Luk clutch....comes with the diaphragm style pressure plate which I think is a bit softer on the pedal to work. I have not used another clutch in it, so its hard to compare. I was interested in the centerforce clutches, but honestly, the Luk has performed exceedingly well both on and off road - even without granny gear as I have to sometimes burn the clutch more than ideal with the 3 speed. Not sure what else above and beyond the centerforce could offer in terms of performance except maybe longevity at some point (and the D18 would probably need some love before then anyway).
     
    jpflat2a likes this.
  16. Jul 22, 2020
    Dave Deyton

    Dave Deyton Member

    Fuquay-Varina, NC
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2003
    Messages:
    847
    Used the LUK on the son's TJ. No problems.
     
  17. Jul 22, 2020
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    What some are missing here is Centerforce has several level of clutches depending on use. Street use, towing/hauling, racing, all different. You just have to choose the right one for your use.

    Sachs and Luk are good. Both have been used in OEM applications. I'm not sure if they are still but the "Brute Power" clutches used to be made by Borg-Warner and were quite good. I had one in my '59-5 until I burned it up during a race when it got packed with mud (my fault). At that time a replacement was not available for my application.
     
  18. Jul 22, 2020
    Arnold Layne

    Arnold Layne Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2013
    Messages:
    213
    FWIW, I have been making the input shaft bushings myself as a lot of the offshore bushings have too much iron and are not ideal. Check to see if the new input bushing will stick to a magnet, if it does I would consider getting a quality sintered bronze bushing or turning out your own.
     
  19. Jul 22, 2020
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
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    5,466
    I use Luk as well. I do have one with the T18 that has a Centerforce disk and Luk PPlate. Got it for the fit at the time and it works very well - nice and soft so the wife and niece love it.
     
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