Replacement clutch on 92 2.3

[jlkuehl]

Has anybody used this clutch (or similar)? It's getting close to time for a new clutch, and I found this kit on e-bay that kinda piqued my curiosity. I do overload the truck from time to time, but rarely pull a trailer, so I'm not really sure it would be worth the extra money.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CLUTCH-KIT-HEAVY-DUTY-88-92-FORD-RANGER-2-3-AND-3-0_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZalgoQ3dLVIQ26ituQ3dUCIQ26otnQ3d4Q26psQ3d63Q26clkidQ3d7960196741066996420QQ_trksidZp3286Q2em7QQcategoryZ33730QQihZ014QQitemZ330399600009

 

[jlkuehl]

Well, I guess since no one replied, I'll use my truck as a testbed. I went ahead and bought the clutch, and as soon as it comes in and the weather breaks, I'll install it. After I get it installed, I'll take a few to write out a review, in case others are interested. Might also make for a good time to check out that buggy gas gauge.

 

[jlkuehl]

Well, this past weekend was one of epic cussing around here. I started changing out the clutch Saturday at around 9 am, and buttoned it all up this morning and test drove the truck at about 9 am. Yup, 2 whole days, much less if you take out the time for the rain and hail that happened on Sunday, and the tranny jack sinking into the mud and rock in my driveway. Anyway, on to the review of the clutch.... The parts all fit in well, the master cylinder bled easily, and all in all, I would say this is a pretty decent setup. The disc itself comes in plain white box with no marks (looked to be repackaged) but the cover and pressure plate in my kit were Exedy brand. This bugger is rough on engagement at first, it's a pretty aggressive friction material. With the new flywheel (bought separately) and all the other new parts, I figure it will take a bit to get everything settled in to run smoothly. I drove the ranger to work today, and almost felt like I had a new truck! I slipped the clutch a few times on the highway, a second or two at most, and it seemed smoother, so I did the same on the way home. The company said it may take 500 to 800 miles to get it to engage smoothly, so we'll see how it feels in a couple weeks.

Update: Here we are, almost 800 miles later, and what can say? It is a ton smoother than it was, but still has a slight bit of chatter when taking off in 1st. 2nd gear take-offs are smooth as silk. With about 500 lbs of firewood in the bed, even 1st gear is livable. I know a lot of people have said "You'll hate every second of a puck style clutch", but I have to disagree. It doesn't slip as easy at the initial grab point, but then again, I tend to like grabby clutches. Overall, I'm happy with the kit, and can't wait to see what it's like in a year, 2 years, and even more

 

[bwilkinson]

much appreciated

I just wanted to let you know that someone appreciated your post and if I need a clutch for my truck, then i will try it out.

 

[jlkuehl]

Thanks! I've got about 4000 miles on the clutch now, and love it! It's nearly as smooth as the stock one, but is obviously not stock. It makes and interesting whine (goes away after the clutch is released) taking off under a load especially uphill, and thanks to its extra grab, this little 4 banger ranger can actually break the rear end loose on take-off, and the first to second, AND second to third shifts. Now if I had a set of overloads (getting them after next payday), the ranger would be exactly what the doctor ordered for a daily driver and hauler!