The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Will 1953 clutch fit 1954 truck?

I have a 9 1/8" clutch in my 1954 truck. I can't find a clutch kit for 1954. However, there are clutch kits for 1953. e.g.

Perfection clutch kit MU1042-1 http://weblink.carquest.com/acl/?mfgName=CQC&partNumber=MU1042-1
Filling Station FS-30K https://store.fillingstation.com/detail/FS-30K/Chevrolet_193853_NEW_REPL_CLUTCH_KIT_9_18.html

I have looked at the master parts catalog: http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/parts/1929_54/113.HTM

The clutch fork, throwout bearing and pilot bushing are the same between the 1953 and 1954. Input shaft diameter and number of splines are the same.

My flywheel has casting # 839754 which is the same one used in 1953 and 1954. If helpful, stamped on my flywheel (in order) are J I C ball 5 triangle. Pressure plate bolt circle is 10 3/4". It's a 6 volt with 139 teeth. Flywheel looks like the flywheel for the 9" clutch here: https://chev235guy.blogspot.com/2020/06/216-235-261-flywheel-pressure-plate-and.html

The part numbers for 1953 and 1954 pressure plate assembly with clutch cover are both listed in the Filling Station kit. (1953 part 3836003, 1954 part 3704777). This implies that they are interchangeable?

The bellhousing changed 1954 as the engine mounts changed. Don't know if that's an issue. If the pressure plate assemblies are interchangeable, it should be OK?

From the master parts catalog, it does appear that the springs and bolts inside the pressure plate assembly changed in 1954. However, as that's all internal it shouldn't be an issue?

Can anyone confirm that the 1953 clutch kit will fit my 1954? It looks to me that it will, ignoring the internal springs and bolts internal to the pressure plate assembly.

Gord is your truck a Canadian model .My 54 GMC 9300 is apart have the old clutch and new sitting waiting to put back together ,I am out of town right now and can’t find the pictures but when I get back I could take some pictures . I remember it being a 10 inch clutch and was hard to find but thought the one I got ordered from a local place was the same listed from rock auto.

Gord, I have a 1954 Chevrolet 3604 with a 235 Engine. I replaced the clutch/ pressure plate with a PowerTorque K1874-06 Clutch Kit. ( clutch, pressure plate, pilot bearing, throw-out bearing, disc alignment tool ) The vehicle fitment says that it also fits a 1953 Chevrolet 3100 with the 235 . They are available from Orielly's here in the states and likely other suppliers. Its a 10" clutch disc ....the Chevrolet 1954 Specifications - Truck indicates that the standard clutch disc is 10" . A Heavy Duty option RPO 227 was available for 1954 and would have provided an 11" clutch disc. I'm curious why you have a smaller diameter disc, perhaps a previous owner did a clutch change and installed the smaller diameter disc. If you are resurfacing the flywheel and assuming its the original, you might consider going with the 10"... ( pricing online indicates $139.00 USD ) Hope this helps.

Dusty, I thought about changing the flywheel but that may lead to other complications.

I phoned tech support at Precision Clutch. The pressure plate bolt circle diameter (and number of bolts) and clutch size is most important. The tech suggested two possible kits. The 1953 truck kit I mentioned above and another one used in various 1970's cars. Both kits have 9 1/8" clutch discs with pressure plates that bolt to the flywheel with 6 bolts in a 10 3/4" diameter circle. The difference between the kits is the throwout bearing.

I mistakenly typed pressure plate when I meant to type "flywheel resurfaced" which is pretty normal before a clutch change. Anyway, what I read in your original post is that your truck has a flywheel with 3705385 casting number. The Parts and Accessories Catalog P&A 30 March 1954 lists that as a p/n 839754 for a 42-53 pass / 1/2 ton. So yes, the 1953 truck kit should work just fine. Further information - the same Catalog lists the flywheel for a 1954 pass / comm as p/n 3704831 with a casting number of 3705410, which is standard in 1954 Truck with the 10" clutch. I've attached a 1962 P&A page that's a bit more definitive. SO, go get that truck clutch kit and go to town on that clutch repair.

Thanks, Ron.

It seems that the only difference between the 1954 flywheel and the 1953 flywheel is the timing marks. 5 degrees before TDC on the 54 vs 2 degrees after on the 53. The 1954 235 was improved over the 1953 engine and the timing was changed. Then in 1955 they changed to 12 volts and the ring gear changed. So, the 1954 flywheel is an odd beast.

I sent back the 10" clutch kit and will order the 1953 clutch kit.

FedEx just delivered the new clutch kit (Perfection MU1042-1) and it all looks good. Pilot bushing and throw-out bearing look correct.

Engine shop has ground the flywheel and it's ready for pick up.