Clutch replacement options 4 banger.

[craveman85]

Looking to replace my clutch this summer. Truck is a 2008 2.3 rwd. I tow a boat frequently (1600 lb) and also haul a ton of pellets or coal 12x a year on a trailer. What's my best option for a clutch for my needs? The stock one has 134k on it and while it doesn't need replacing yet it's on my to do list for the summer. Thanks.

 

[RonD]

I would stick with OEM parts.
You want self-adjusting pressure plate for sure, internal slaves don't have external adjustments.
Regular pressure plate will make it hard to shift when new and then get better as new disc wears down, which happens faster because it is rubbing even when clutch pedal is in.
Then it will start slipping sooner at the end of it's life.

"Racing clutch discs" are made of material that is softer so gets sticky when warmed up, which is the point, this does make for better gripping.............but they also wear out twice as fast.

It is also a good idea to replace the rear main seal on the crank when trans is out.

And on the 2.3l Duratec engine there is a cooling system connection on the back of the engine that can only be accessed with transmission removed, give it a good look and replace if in doubt.
2.3l duratec was designed for transverse mounting so this connection would be on the side and not a PITA to service, but in the Ranger.....................PITA place for a cooling line.