The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Correct clutch disc size

I'm replacing the clutch disc in my '53 3100, it has a 235 ('55-'57) with a 3-speed. The disc I removed measures 10 3/4" dia. Jim Carter only shows a 10" for that year, will going smaller be a problem?

Get a disc and pressure plate combination that match and will bolt to the flywheel.

It looks like the 10 3/4" disc was used on earlier 235s and the 10" disc was used on most later 235s.

Thanks Tim. I would like to get a kit but money is really tight right now...we'll see. I'm trying to look up kits for the engine year and not the truck but some don't show sizes. Do the pressure plate housings come with different bolt patterns?

Allan,

Yes, there were a variety of pressure plate cover bolt patterns, depending on the year, size of truck, and options.

Maybe someone will have first-hand experience (or caution) on using a 10" disc with a 10 3/4" pressure plate?

Just to be sure of what you are doing, here are a few questions:

1. Which flywheel are you using?
- '53 6v for 10 3/4" clutch/pressure-plate
- '57-upwards 12v for 10" clutch/pressure plate

2. 8v or 12v 1953?

3. Can you find a 10 3/4 disc for the different/earlier year flywheel/pressure plate?

I will need a new clutch setup this summer, is there a preferred setup for a 55-57 235 with the flywheel/bellhousing that is out of a 53 216? What are the trade offs between the smaller and larger setups

There is no problem using a 10" disc in your case.
In 1954 Chev cars with the standard option clutch had a 9" disc with a 10" pressure plate. If you ordered the HD option they installed a 10" disc.
I put smaller discs in all the time as they have less of a chance for clutch chatter.
The only reason to go as big as possible would be if you are planning to haul heavy loads.

10" clutch assemblies shipped for around $100 are available.
That is also the standard size listed by Rockauto.com and NAPA ( 90109 ).

Others have posted this question (regarding 9" and other sizes). Matching the holes in the pressure plate is the important factor.

the 10.75" disc [& kit] is not available in the general system [FLAPS], only 10, 11 & 12", any of which should fit the 5-7 flywheel [as a kit] .... I suspect the 10.75" is the [nominal] 11" nowadays and I'd get that rather than 10" ... see if you can find the disc alone from a local store, but mostly what anyone stocks now is the kits, which are worth the money to avoid doing the job over a few months along

Bill

To answer your questions Tim:
1. '53 6v for 10 3/4" clutch/pressure-plate
2. 6v 1953
3. Didn't look at the rebuilts, that's the first 10 3/4" I've seen. For that price and by your advice it sounds like I should get a kit. I just need to make sure to get the correct bolt pattern. Thanks for the links and advice.

Yes, the correct bolt pattern is the trick.

Are there marks on the new pressure plates? I see in the manuals where they talk of an X on the flywheel and pressure plate that you should align when installing a pressure plate. I can't remember seeing any X on the flywheel or pressure plates I've removed before.

John

I had my disc relined and I am happy with it. It was containated.