Since it seems almost impossible to find the complete clutch linkage setup for a V8 car, I have been looking at alternatives when I came across the hydraulic setup. Has anyone used a hydarualic throwout bearing on a toploader, and does anyone know how it works exactly? And what all is needed to run this setup?
You need the hydraulic throw-out bearing, the lines and shims and hoses, (all in the kit) and a master cylinder. There are minor mods to the clutch pedal and firewall.
I'm running one on the Toploader in my V8 Ranger. It's a McCleod T/O bearing. After about 6 months of bugs in it (leaks with the banjo style fittings) It's been pretty reliable ever since. The firewall will need to be reinforced though to resist the pedal pressure on the mastercylinder.
So it sounds pretty simple. I think i'm leaning towards this method now. I have one more question, do I need the slip on style or the bolt on. Thanks for your help.
The McCleod slips on. On the plus side, all you have to do is add a spacer behind it to use it with T-5's or Tremecs. They supposedly improved the hose connections after I(and others) had issues with the banjo fittings. It does have a limited amount of travel, so initial adjustment is critical. But the need to readjust it is almost nil. I've only had to readjust mine once in 8 years using a Centerforce Dual friction clutch/pressure plate.
Ok. That's reassuring. So this kit should have everything that I need, correct? The only thing is it's kinda pricey. http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=MCL%2D13055&view=1&N=700+400374+314795+4294908331
Not sure about a "kit" having everything you need, not having seen a kit or researched one. When I bought mine, I got the T/O bearing unit which included two hydro hoses that reached just outside the bellhousing. And I bought the spacer in case I ever used it on a T-5 or Tremec.
Call McCleod and ask. It's a simple 1" thick spacer that slips over the input shaft retainer sleeve & fits behind the T/O bearing. I have one but haven't laid eyes on it in a few years to get the part number for it.
I called McCleod this morning and asked. They gave me this part number and said it is everything needed for the Ford T-5. (including spacer) http://store.summitracing.com/partd...CL-14005-30&N=700+4294816111+115&autoview=sku
I laid hands on the spacer I had, can't find the box though. The spacer is 7/8" thick. Same difference as the inputs on the Toploader and SROD I have.
