Hello!

I'm ordering parts to rebuild my W56 transmission and still trying to decide on a clutch kit with pilot and release bearings. The truck is an occasional daily driver. I run 33x10.5 A/T for daily stuff and wheel with 33x12.5, although I would like to bump my mud tires up to 35" bias ply in the future. Diffs are geared at 5.29.

Is the stock Aisin clutch good for this application? A Marlin 1200lb clutch sounds ideal, however I'm in Canada and worried about shipping (seems to take forever even for American orders). I'd prefer to keep a bit of lower budget and something like the Centerforce Stage 2 is a bit too much. That being said I'll spend what I need to, to do it once and not worry about it.

Thoughts?

 

The Marlin 1200lb is my first choice, stock Aisin is my second. I wouldn't even be looking at anything else.

 

Ive always had good experiences with LUK clutches. Cheap and readily available.

 

I found an Aisin clutch kit for a solid price on ebay, so I think I'm going to go with that. I would have preferred a Marlin 1200lb but they're not even listed on Marlin's website anymore!

What's everyone's view on the flywheel? I won't be able to machine the existing flywheel when everything's apart. Is it worth buying a new flywheel to mate with the new clutch? Keep in mind I'm pulling the tranny apart because of a bearing. The clutch is still holding fine, but seems like a good maintenance item to address while I have it out.

 

You could end up with clutch engagement issues if you reuse the flywheel without having it machined. Best practices is to resurface or replace the flywheel when changing the clutch disk and pressure plate. Very similar to a brake job on disc brakes in that regard. Can you slap new pads on used rotors? Sure. Will it stop? Sure. Will it stop smoothly? Maybe.

 

I've run the 1200 lb Marlin and the stock Aisin and both never failed me. I think what kills most clutches is people slipping them because they put on big tires without re-gearing.

Marlin had a spec for a step machined in the flywheel that he said is important. .020" ?? Better look it up. I've always had it done. I just don't remember the spec. I found a guy that did mobile resurfacing when I did my 3.4 swap. He pulled up to the house in a truck with machinery in it. And it was cheaper than waiting for a local machine shop to do it.

If you can't get it resurfaced I guess you have a decision to make. You might be ok, might not. How much do you like pulling the trans? Good luck with your project.

 

I'll be ordering a new flywheel. Thanks everyone!