Ford truck clutch upgrade, engine is in cat grader

markct · Jun 10, 2015

Many years ago I swapped a Ford 300 straight six engine into a caterpillar road grader, it's served me well with a good bit of use but the clutch has started to slip recently. At the time when I did the conversion I used a Ford bellhousing and thus original Ford pickup clutch, donor motor was from 83 f150, and was wondering if some better type was available. I know many equipment clutches have individual biscuits rather than a full disk of friction material so was wondering if I should look for a simular style aftermarket one since the machine is geared a touch high and thus hard on the clutch a bit

chucksoliver77 · Jun 10, 2015

Reface your clutch with Kevlar, it will hold more than that 300 can put out. Chuck

Janicholson · Jun 10, 2015

There are plenty of heavy duty clutches made for that engine. Do not use a ceramic driven disk with hard pucks, use a heavy duty simi metallic or composition disk. The puck disk will chew up the flywheel and PP and the clutch will be chatter prone and more like a switch.

markct · Jun 10, 2015

I see Kevlar clutch disks listed and while
I understand they take high hp I was unsure
how they do as far as glazing etc. A high
hp car application is much different than a
high torque and frequent engagement cycles
a piece of machinery has.

markct · Jun 10, 2015

Thank you. I have been looking at aftermarket ones online and a little confused about which fit but should be able to sort that out. I recall it being the same disk and pressure plate as my 84 ford with 351 Windsor so there may not be too many different clutches anyhow

chucksoliver77 · Jun 10, 2015

I've had one in my tractor for 20+ years with no problems. Another advantage is that you don't need a super high pressure pressure plate. Chuck

markct · Jun 10, 2015

Thank you I will definitely look into that
option

Owen Aaland · Jun 10, 2015

I had good results when switching from ceramic to Carbotic pads on medium duty trucks. They still use the same pressure plate but will handle more torque. The engagement is smoother and they lasted about 50% longer than the ceramic pads.

M-MAN · Jun 10, 2015

Your flywheel should have two bolt patterns. Use the larger one, a new Ford disk and plate from an older 3 finger type truck(with a hd granny 4 speed) and it will last. The Chevy type plate that came in an 83 is junk as is the small disk. They were made for city driving - not work.

Bob · Jun 11, 2015

Check the Yellow Pages for a clutch and brake shop/industrial friction shop in your area. They will know what works and likely will have what you need ready to go or will be able to re-line your clutch while you wait.

big a · Jun 12, 2015

Go with Tribco (Kevlar) lining and don't look back.
Amazing stuff!

Ford truck clutch upgrade, engine is in cat grader

markct

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chucksoliver77

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Janicholson

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markct

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markct

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chucksoliver77

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markct

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Owen Aaland

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M-MAN

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Bob

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big a

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