dee dee dee clutch question

So my clutch is finally getting to the point I need to replace it, but my question is...There is a 10.5" and an 11" available for a '72 on krage's site, along with many other sites. How do I know which one I need without having to take it apart first?

By the way it is a 304/T-15

 

You will have to take it apart to get a measurement on the clutch disc.Or just guess you have a 50/50 shot at getting it rightR).I know on chevy trucks with 10" or 11" clutches either one will work on the flywheel,Jeeps I dont know but it should be similar.

 

Thats what I am afraid ofR) R) R) R)

I thought that might be the case here too, just hoping someone can confirm before I order.

 

It's been a loooong time, but I recall that either will work. Pretty sure the 304s came with 10.5" and the 360/401s came with 11". CJ-5 owners were upgrading to 11" even in '72.

 

I'm pretty sure all the V8s came with a 10.5 inch 3 finger clutch.
When I swapped mine I went with a heavy duty diaphragm type clutch (I got a Hays Super Truck from Summit Racing). If you are going to use your jeep off road I think this is the best choice for low RPM / high torque crawling around. If you are going to spend most of your time on the streets then a centripetal force clutch (like a Center Force) is a good choice.
Be aware that if you choose either of the non OEM clutches you will have to change the throwout (clutch activator) bearing as well as the clutches are different lengths.

 

BTW the Hays clutch is 11 inch but as mentioned above either size will bolt up.

 

Sweet. Prolly going to get a kit with the pressure plate, clutch disc and throw out bearing.

 

I'm looking at a new clutch too and 2 different styles are listed. I work part time now at NAPA and we show 3 finger type and diaphram style. Are they interchangeable if you swap out the complete assembly disc, pressure plate and throwout bearing?

 

Should work fine.
Still best to measure the total length (height) of the old clutch and compare to the new. If the new one is longer the throwout bearing should be shorter and visa versa.
Don't miss replacing your pilot bearing and resurfacing / checking your flywheel while you are in there. Don't want to do it twice.

 

Not to add to the confusion but I just replaced my clutch in my 74. The original clutch was a three finger and the one from napa had probably 20 fingers! I was told that the new one was a diaphram and that it was better(for clutch feel). I never measured the old one because I ordered clutch, plate, and bearings. My questions are: Is it that big a deal for either style?What are the measurements you guys are talking about? Will I need to adjust clutch linkage?

This is the first clutch I have ever installed! I always take manuals out and swap in auto tranny's!!! I hope I didn't screw up!?!?!?!

 

If it works you did fine.
I just swapped transmissions and redid my clutch and also went from a 3 finger to a diaphragm clutch. The measurement from the base of the clutch plate (where the clutch attaches to the flywheel) to the tips of the 3 fingers or the fingers of the diaphragm was (is) greater on the diaphragm clutch by about 0.75 inches. The throwout bearing (activator bearing) I needed to use with the new clutch needed to be a corresponding 0.75 inches shorter.
If you bought a kit that included the clutch and new throwout bearing the new one was likely the correct size.
Because I was matching a Chevy transmission to an AMC V8 I had to find a new Chevy throwout bearing that was the right length.
Hope that is more clear.