Ford ranger clutch in a 87 944?

[h3xb00t3r]

Hello All! My clutch is starting to fail after years of loyal service and I need to replace it. I heard rumors that a early 90s ford ranger clutch will fit. Has anyone ever done this? Thanks so much for your info in advance.

[krystar]

i think i'm one of the less than handful of ppl that dared.

although mine is a 83.....did u confirm that the 87 has same clutch?

[h3xb00t3r]

No I have not hmm I will get that and ask around. Was there any special steps you had to take?

THANKS

[Aufenbahn]

Seriously, this fits? I assume just the friction disk. Is it way cheaper?

[krystar]

yes, just the clutch disc itself. ~$30 at local auto supplier.

the backspacing on the ranger clutch disc is much less than the oem 944 disc. i had to order custom ultra low profile flywheel bolts, which i still have a bunch.

if you're feeling cheap/adventurous, order the mitsubishi starion disc. the backspacing is supposed to be better than the ranger clutch. it might allow stock flywheel bolts. ~30 also
if it doesn't fit, i can just sell ya 9 of the low profile 10.9 grade bolts that i got for my ranger application.

if you're not feeling so adventurous and have a lil more coin, order the 944 disc from clutchnet.com, that's been proven to work with oem flywheel bolts. $265

[krystar]

summary

Originally Posted by FRPorscheMan

To summarize concrete findings:

* there are shops that can reline and respring used spring-centered clutch discs for $80.
* a clutch disc from a 1988-1992 ford ranger v6 will work when used with ground-down thin-head hexagonal head flywheel bolts, for $76 total.
* ****** Auto sells a performance relined Sachs disc which is much cheaper than a new Sachs disc.

Some theories that have yet to be tested:

* The 1986 Mistubishi Starion turbo disc has more offset than the ranger disc, so it might allow the use of the special flywheel bolts without grinding them first.
* The 951 flywheel has much more inset center. This extra clearance, along with a clutch with ample offset like the starion clutch, might allow the use of stock flywheel bolts. Meaning the cheap disc would be a "bolt-in" option.

[h3xb00t3r]

Thanks krystar! How long did it take to replace your clutch?

[krystar]

can't really give u a good estimate cause the engine was out of the car for a oil pickup tube repair.

but i believe book time is 20 hours or so

[VII]

ooo, I need a clutch in the near future, I may look into this. Do you have any pics of the setup compared to the stock disc with pictures of the bolts?

[John_AZ]

Here is the complete text on using a different disc including comments on the Ford Ranger...


Why is a Clutch So Expensive? - Rennlist Discussion Forums

John

[John_AZ]

AND, If you really wanted to DIY...

924Board.org :: View topic - Build a clutch disc for your 924S/944

John

[krystar]

lol i remember reading that a Lemons racer built a clutch disc out of some brake pads when his clutch blew out.

[HondaDustR]

I went with the middle ground and got the centerforce standard clutch disk for about half the price of the OEM part and it's a drop in replacement. This weekend was my first time doing essentially a clutch job (bad RMS leak..clutch was done when I replaced the motor) and it took me about 20 hours, but I was doing a couple other projects while I was at it. If things like exhaust bolts and crank sensors haven't been removed in a long time, it can really bog down the operation trying to get them unstuck.

[Squidmobile]

Unless you have a lift, you will spend more time on your back than a lady of the evening doing a clutch replacement. On your first try, figure on a day and a half or two days if you strip out some of the triple square bolts. Follow the instructions from Clarks Garage.

When we replaced the engine in my 944 Spec race car, I put in a new clutch as insurance even though the old clutch was good.

IMHO, clutch replacement is a major PITA. Not something you want to again if you do not have to. The $360 for the OEM clutch looks like a lot of money until you have to do the job again.

Jim Richmond
944 Spec race car, NASA and POC