The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Clutch disc size question

The 4 speed tranny is original to the truck, the 235 engine is not. Clutch disc measured 9 and 1/8 inches when I took it out. Jim Carter catalog says normally would find a 10 inch disc with a 4 speed. What size disc and pressure plate should I go with if I replace both?

I dought if the larger clutch will fit the flywheel. The 9 in will work OK unless you are going to work it hard or are hard on a clutch. A smaller clutch will shift easier & puts less wear on the syncros.

The only time I installed a clutch disc that was too large was on a 54 F%$# stationwaggon. When I turned the key and started the engine, lucky for me I was in reverse (parked in the garage)because the car started and leaped out of the garage. Pushing on the clutch petal had no effect. I had to go back to the parts store and get the right size. Ever try to drive across town without a clutch?

According to the manual the flywheel on the 235 (58-62 off of a car) came with a 10 inch clutch. I took off a 9 inch (the disc anyway, which begs the question, can you have a 9 incgh disc with a 10inch pressure plate?) as the original motor was a 216. Carquest has one for the 235 for only 156 full kit, most likely its a 10 inch. Sorry for the dorky question.

Hy 1951purney, you can go smaller on the disc, than the pressure plate, but why would you? The older engines had a nine bolt pressure plate, the newer engines use a six bolt pressure plate, make sure you're ordering the one you need, 1954 appears to be the year of the change, hope that helps.

That is very helpful, i know this pressure plate has 6 holes on the one I took off, so if the plate fits and the 10 inch disc fits inside then I should be good to go right?

Hy 1951purney, yes if the disc is the same size as the pressure plate, you are good to go. If your ordering a kit, it should/better come with matched components.

I think the PO used the 216 flywheel as the 235 was out of a car and has hydralic lifters leading me to believe therefore it didnt have a flywheel with holes for a clutch. That being the case the clutch I took out didnt match what the manuals said. Found a clutch shop here in Omaha that can refurbish everything for 100 bucks. Been in business for 70 years or some such. happy ending.

I had two flywheels and two used up clutches as I was sorting parts to re-do my 235 w/3spd. One was 10 inch, the other 11 inch. Since they both fit, I ordered an 11 inch clutch, thinking more is better since I will be towing. It's great having that bigger disc, but it takes three men and a small boy to mash the pedal and move the springs on the plate. I'll be the guy with an oversized left leg soon!