Topic: 69 428 CJ Clutch/ pressure plate replacement

[Kiwi428]

Understanding this is a concours site, what is everyone doing once it comes to replacing their tired old clutch.I have been looking at a centerforce clutch to make it a little lighter on the Z bar linkages.
Does any one have a product P/N or a recommendation for a good clutch replacement and where to get it from?

About to order all my engine rebuild parts and want to bring the clutch back with them?

Appreciate the advice
John

[J_Speegle]

What I did - different engine but same idea - was to read posts on forums for that specific year and model motors and asked around local of others with the same set up and planned/expected usage. IMHO way too easy to go over board and buy too much of something only to result in unintended consequences. More isn't always better as most of us have learned young in like.

A number of friends like the center force clutches but I've always gone for the traditional/original design since I don't expect to beat the car much more than the original owner - only allot less Used McCloud (s?) (McLeod) products for the last couple of sets (pressure plate, clutch and throw out)

Just what has worked for me


Moved the post here as its more of a general thing that could apply to just about any year or model and something not seen or evaluated if shown.

[krelboyne]

When I was putting my SCJ Cougar together in 1997, I couldn't find an off the shelf 11-1/2 inch clutch. I was referred to a local clutch rebuilder in Irwindale, Ca.
I had just stepped through the door with my used clutch set, and the guy at the counter said "428 Cobra Jet?". He could identify it from 10 feet away. He suggested two different linings with specific grab characteristic for a stock application. I was very happy with that clutch, and it was much less than an 11 inch Center Force or Hayes at the time.

The company was called Valley Clutch. They are still around according to google.

[Brian Conway]

I had a similar experience, as Krelboyne, with my stock CJ set up back in 09.  Opened the tail gate to the truck and that was about all I had to do.  Kim at Southland Clutch in San Diego Knew exactly what he was looking at.  He solved a balancing issue with the pressure plate and informed me there was no 11 & 1/2' stock diaphragm that I could swap in. I got everything I needed and he sent me on my way.   That sort of experience and treatment is getting harder to find it seems.  Brian

[sah62]

Does any one have a product P/N or a recommendation for a good clutch replacement and where to get it from?

I'm using a McLeod 12" diaphragm clutch with a "street" disk and I love it. The extra clutch disk I bought is part number 260263, 12" organic on both sides.  The correct diaphragm pressure plate looks to be 360825, but I don't have my receipt handy to confirm if that's the one I bought. The McLeod catalog lists a "performance" disk (Kevlar on one side, something else on the other) with a part number of 260863 for the 428 CJ and a long-style pressure plate with a part number of 360651. I bought everything from Jim Cowles of Shelby Parts and Restoration.

[Kiwi428]

Thanks guys, I contacted Centreforce and spoke with one of the technical people there who asked my what size the clutch was (11.5") and what was the PCD (12.875) of the bolt holes. He did comment that there may have to be some minor clearance work done to the bell housing to take a Centreforce clutch and pressure plate, not keen on grinding my bellhousing?

I will take a look at the Mcleod site and the parts listed.

I'll keep researching as posted, but a little hard down here when theres not alot of these around in NZ.

Thanks for the info