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Hydro or Manual Clutch?

1020 Views 6 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  85f150
I'm still planning out what direction I'm going with my bronco and what parts I'm going to use, but I've been debating about using a hydraulic or a manual clutch. I have an 81, which is manual, with an SROD. I just bought a NP 435 that came with a hydraulic bellhousing and brand new pressure plate and clutch. I'm not sure if I should just keep the manual or if I should put on the hydraulic while I'm at it. I am very happy with the manual that I have. I've drug out old rusted cars from a field, some with only 2 locked wheels (and 2 gone) and the clutch grabbed fine and everything. On my friends chevy cavalier (hydro) he said that his clutch was a little slow to engage when it was 40 below out. I know they're completely different kinds of vehicles and it might be different, but was wondering if anyone has encountered this? Once the fluid warmed up, he said it was fine though. Simplicity is very important to me, so hydraulic might not be the best route? I need to be able to fix whatever I have on my truck with the tools I carry. Also not sure what all extra I would need to get it completed. I guess the hydraulic pump would be it? I was just about to head to steve83's pics to check out what all I need but got sidetracked. I already posted a while back when I was thinking about buying this tranny/bellhousing if the clutch/pressure plate would swap into the mechanical but I didnt get any replies. Not sure if one is 10" and the other 11" or what. This turned out kinda long once again, but I thank anyone that replies with some info.
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Funny, thats like my truck's set up when I bought it too. I left it Manual for simplicity, but in reality Steve is probably right, the hydro system is kinda set it and forget it, that is untill it starts leaking or something. The parts for the manual linkages you can get some of them new (trust me the holes on yours are gonna be oblong) but there are some that ford doesnt make, and every other truck is oblong as well. The bar that runs threw the floor mine was half worn threw! But those you can get for about 65 bucks at ford.

Ive heard a bang when my clutch has let go of my flywheel when I push it in to go start it at -40. That would suck if it got stuck:wacko
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