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What really grinds my gears...

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Old 06-21-2009, 05:20 PM
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Default What really grinds my gears...

...My slowly dying clutch.

Ever since I put the 4.11's in my Jeep, I've sensed the clutch starting to "show it's age" more and more, (136k on most likely the orig clutch) with slight gear 'mashing' every once in a while. So I just started shifting slower. Yesterday, just trying to downshift into 2nd while coming to a stop sign, and man did it GRIND.

So now I need advice on Replacement Clutches. I'm thinking even a brand new OE replacement will be fine because I've had no problems while wheeling. But if any one has any input on the subject, I will be more than happy to listen to/consider any opinions regarding what brand of aftermarket clutch kits or even performance upgrades. Now just remember that this is my daily driver, so i would like something with a stock(ish) pedal feel.

Thanks

Last edited by 5spd-XJ; 06-21-2009 at 05:22 PM.
Old 06-21-2009, 07:10 PM
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The grind may not be the clutch at all, but rather need new lube in the tranny, or make sure that the master and slave cylinder are working properly making the clutch disengage. The clutch itself would only slip if bad
Old 06-21-2009, 08:11 PM
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If the grinding is due to the clutch not disengaging all the way it could be that your master cylinder is getting ready to go. Is the clutch pulsing when your foot is on the pedal? If not it may be that even though old, it is not worn out yet. Generally when the clutch goes, it just starts slipping. I would go after the master cylinder first. If you do want a clutch, I just put a Center Force in my Chevy PU and I love it. It was worth the extra money.
Old 06-22-2009, 03:17 PM
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That makes sense, but also, my Throwout bearing is making a bad growling type noise when idling and the clutch is engaged (pedal up). And when i push or release the pedal, there is some creaking noises going on.

so maybe i need to do the master and slave cylinder as well as the clutch?
Old 06-22-2009, 03:27 PM
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I went on Clutchcityonline.com and found a complete clutch kit, flywheel, and master/slave all for under $500.
Old 06-22-2009, 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by 5spd-XJ
I went on Clutchcityonline.com and found a complete clutch kit, flywheel, and master/slave all for under $500.
That sounds about right. But you could have your flywheel turned for $35, still get the master and slave and get the Centerforce 2 clutch for the same money. Once you get one of those, you won't want any other clutch. Additionally it would be an upgrade over stock
Old 06-22-2009, 03:40 PM
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I was considering the centerforce I or II, I've read that they are overrated and slip.

Hows the pedal feel on that, I sit in a lot of traffic.
Old 06-22-2009, 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by 5spd-XJ
I was considering the centerforce I or II, I've read that they are overrated and slip.

Hows the pedal feel on that, I sit in a lot of traffic.
The one I just put in my Chevy PU has about 1/2 the pedal force the stock diaphragm clutch had. It is smooth. I haven't had a chance to try to make it slip yet, but so far with my foot foibles it doesn't want to give.
Old 06-22-2009, 06:32 PM
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Thats cool. do you have the stage 1 or 2
Old 06-22-2009, 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by 5spd-XJ
Thats cool. do you have the stage 1 or 2
Stage 2
Old 06-22-2009, 08:14 PM
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And the stage two gave you a lighter pedal than stock? I guess that's better than a heavier one though.
Old 06-22-2009, 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by 5spd-XJ
And the stage two gave you a lighter pedal than stock? I guess that's better than a heavier one though.
The thing about the Centerforce clutches is the counterbalance weights that help you with the pedal but still have a strong spring in the pressure plate. I understand it, but don't know exactly how it works.
Old 06-22-2009, 08:27 PM
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I've ran the center force dual friction in a 70 442 Olds,built up 80 SWB Chevy and 38's. Followed break in procedures and had no problems.Brother in law has run them in 69 Chevelle SS,4x4's,and Jeeps.Never a complaint.He has been thru 2 4 speed saginaws and a munchie,clutch wasn't slipping.
Old 06-22-2009, 08:31 PM
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Ok cool. I was thinking about the stage one first, but if the stage two is in fact lighter in pedal feel, or maybe no noticeable change from stock, than I will go with the stage two. My main priorities are Quality and drive ability. I don't want sitting in traffic to be like I just spent a day at the gym for leg.
Old 06-22-2009, 09:04 PM
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Originally Posted by 5spd-XJ
Ok cool. I was thinking about the stage one first, but if the stage two is in fact lighter in pedal feel, or maybe no noticeable change from stock, than I will go with the stage two. My main priorities are Quality and drive ability. I don't want sitting in traffic to be like I just spent a day at the gym for leg.
So are you a gym junkie?


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