Need a new clutch for the rig.... tried to order a new 11" Dana clutch set from NAPA and the manufacturer zeroed the order. So now I'm down to two choices: Rockford type clutch set up or a diaphram type. The diaphram type wasn't available in a complete set, but all the individual pieces are available to put one together. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Rockford style vs. the Diaphram style? This will be used in a 95%+ trail use rig w/ 345, T19wide, D300, 4.88's and 36 SX's, Detroit rear and ARB front.

There is a considerable price difference between the two types, but which one is better for the type of use this rig will see?

Have you tried one of the Light Line vendors? They seem to have pretty good deals on clutch kits, and rumor has it they're even built and setup correctly when they ship..

I never paid enough attention to the various "styles".. I have what I have and it works.. whatever that is. :D

I did finally break down and ordered a reman 12" setup to put behind my 392 in the truck though.

Rockford has coil-type springs, 12 of them if I remember right.

Diaphram clutches do not have "springs" per se, but use spring steel levers, and a lot of them.

I used to be that Diaphram clutches were considered to be weak under high performance use because the spring steel couldn't overcome the centrifugal pressure. Centerforce Clutches, (those clutches you see in all the magazines with the little ring of weights around the center) changed all that.

Centerforce clutches overcome that tendency under high RPM's for the clutch fingers (spring levers) to "pull-in" The weights actually make the clutch fingers "pull-out" as RPM's increase keeping the clamping pressure more consistent.

Diaphram clutches still do not have the clamping pressure of a Rockford style or DANA Angle link, and they also don't have the thickness on the clamping ring that either the Rockford or the DANA have.

DANA clutches have fewer springs, so to increase clamping pressure they use extremely heavy springs, which increase pedal effort. With the "Pink Springs" in a DANA you can expect to give your left leg a real workout. Also, the 6 spring DANA doesn't have as even clamping pressure as either a Diaphram or Rockford Clutch.

Rockford's have either yellow, or green springs. Green being the heavier set I believe. In any case, there are more springs, and they aren't as stiff as the DANA springs, but because there are more of them, the clamping pressure is more even, and it takes less pressure to hold the driven member (disc) and the flywheel and pressure plate together with the clutch engaged. The side benefit is the Rockford is easier on your clutch linkage and your left leg while delivering strong performance.

Rockford's don't rattle either, another benefit.

Hey TORC,

Best-Bilt Engineering in Springfield will build ya whatever ya want for a clutch for a LOT less than anything ya can buy in any store and it will be better too!

I've been using them for my drag cars for over 30 years. If ya break it they'll fix it. They use only new parts and will custom build to suit.

They quoted me under $200 for a 12" Rockford - disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing.

Thanks.... I'll give Best-Bilt a call and see what they quote me.

Huh, I'll be damned... you learn something every day. I never really knew the differences between the clutch types

Going to go with the 12" Rockford.... Ordered one up from my local ITP. Would have only cost me $100 with my discount but since I don't have a core, it'll be $135. That's for a cover assembly and disc. Could have gotten the 11" diaphram style from NAPA for around the same amount... a little more I think but I'm just not sold on the diaphram style. NAPA wants over $400 for a 12" Rockford :eek: :eek:

ITP???


what is ITP, and what kind of discount do you get?!? think you could hook a WA brother up??? I need a new 12" for the t-lette.... or maybe a 13" :D

thats MUCH cheaper than I remeber getting my current 12" from Carquest so many moons ago (still working good too, two tranny's later and about axle and gear changes..... :D)

Originally posted by RustoleumWhite
ITP???


what is ITP, and what kind of discount do you get?!? think you could hook a WA brother up??? I need a new 12" for the t-lette.... or maybe a 13" :D

thats MUCH cheaper than I remeber getting my current 12" from Carquest so many moons ago (still working good too, two tranny's later and about axle and gear changes..... :D)

How about Inland Truck Parts (http://www.inlandtruck.com/) ...

Closest to you is in Missoula.. c'mon over and visit.. or race...

Originally posted by RustoleumWhite
ITP???


what is ITP, and what kind of discount do you get?!? think you could hook a WA brother up??? I need a new 12" for the t-lette.... or maybe a 13" :D

thats MUCH cheaper than I remeber getting my current 12" from Carquest so many moons ago (still working good too, two tranny's later and about axle and gear changes..... :D)

I ran a 11 inch clutch with about 6 bolt p/plate and I would slip under heavy use of the skinny pedal with a 345, then I put in a 392 and 13 inch clutch 12 bolt p/plate and no more slipping.
There was very little difference in the foot pressure between the two.

Eric

Rusto... PM'd ya.

got it, thanks

hmm... 13" may just be a posibility... depending on $$$$



Anyone know a good WA place to score a good clutch, or I order one from SSS

Originally posted by RustoleumWhite
got it, thanks

hmm... 13" may just be a posibility... depending on $$$$



Anyone know a good WA place to score a good clutch, or I order one from SSS

South Side Brake and Clutch in Tacoma, Washington. Very good place to get "rare and obscure" brakes and clutches reconditioned too.

Sorry, I don't have number for them anymore :(

My clutch set came in yesterday. It's a 12" 15 spring Rockford. That ought to get the job done......

http://www.mo-4xtoys.com/torc/P0001187.JPG

Is that a Dana emblem on the left side of the cover?

My monitor here at work SUCKS!

It is a diamond shaped stamp, but I don't think it is a Dana/Spicer emblem. Not 100% sure though... I'll have to take a closer look at it tonight....... now if that damned flywheel would just get here.

It's not a Dana emblem. The diamond has the letters RC stamped inside it. Your guess is as good as mine as to what they stand for.....

That little Diamond logo had me fooled - I thought it was the little Dana Diamond with the "PC" letters stamped in it. Which is the "Perfect Circle" division at Dana. Hmmm..... it looks like someone is trying to put one by us.

Originally posted by uglyscout
That little Diamond logo had me fooled - I thought it was the little Dana Diamond with the "PC" letters stamped in it. Which is the "Perfect Circle" division at Dana. Hmmm..... it looks like someone is trying to put one by us.
I don't follow. What do you mean trying to put one by us? I would be most surprised if it was a Dana stamp seeing how it's not supposed to be a Dana. I specifically did not order the Dana clutch.

Originally posted by TORC

I don't follow. What do you mean trying to put one by us? I would be most surprised if it was a Dana stamp seeing how it's not supposed to be a Dana. I specifically did not order the Dana clutch.

umm.. "RC"....

Rockford Co.?