Clutch Compatibility for 1994 3.0

[Thew]

I am looking into options for replacing my clutch and am trying to sort out what my options are.

I drive it like I stole it, regularly deal with starting/reversing on steep hills, have a camper built out in the back, will be towing a boat, and doing some forest road adventuring this summer. Additionally, I'm hoping to swap in a slightly beefed up TDI once my current engine gives up (could be a year, could be 3, who knows). As such, if I'm going to put in the effort to swap the clutch, I want to make sure it's the stoutest option (reasonably) possible.

Looking at these two:
3.0 stage 4
4.0 stage 4

The clutch for the 4.0 is larger and has a ~10% higher hp/torque rating, so I'd like to make it work if possible.

Is this feasible? If so, what mods would be necessary? A 4.0 flywheel and starter? Am I overthinking it?

Replaced the master and lines a couple weeks ago, though I think it may still have a small bubble trapped as it occasionally (maybe 5% of the time) gives a soft pedal.

Other similar threads on here seems to launch into a bunch of tangential debates without a real definite answer so I'm hoping someone can sort me out.

 

[Curious Hound]

I don't have experience with either of those. My gut feeling is to stick with something built for the 3.0l. Mixing and matching different flywheels, starters, etc. Seems to cause more headaches than it solves.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, that..

I've been very pleased with the performance and longevity of the Centerforce setup I started using 15 years ago, they don't make a kit but the pressure plate and friction disc are CTF-381009 and CTF-CFT360032 which can be bought on Summit easy enough, you'll just need to get your own pilot bearing and slave cylinder/throwout bearing. It drives just like a regular clutch but has held up to my abuse, I changed it when I rebuilt the transmission a couple years ago but turns out it was perfectly fine... what I pulled off will go on my '97 when that clutch finally gives in...