clutch question for Apache

[chevyfiftynine]

Hi truck forum,

I have a 58 Chevy Apache half ton stepside 235 6 cyl 3 spd and the clutch is worn out and needs replaced. When I measured the old clutch it doesn't match the sizes available. My clutch disc is 9.7/8 diam and the bearing 2" at the small end. Cover has multi fingers and is 10.1/8 diam.

The size Classic Parts of America have listed is 10.1/2 disc diam. How can the size be different? Is it possible the wrong clutch has been fitted in the past? There's no other clutch before or after '58 that matches mine. I can't order a new one till I work out how come this clutch was fitted to my truck.

Any ideas?

Regards,

Barry.

[TX58]

I ran into the same problem,kinda. I bought a new clutch kit from LMC I think and the throw out bearing is shorter than the one that came out of the truck. It list the new kit as correct for a 58 V8. Not sure if the previous owner put the longer bearing or what. Won't find out till put the truck back together. That will be awhile since I'm painting now.
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[1project2many]

Can't help the OP other than to say many kits over the years have varied some from factory specified sizes.

However,

ran into the same problem,kinda. I bought a new clutch kit from LMC I think and the throw out bearing is shorter than the one that came out of the truck. It list the new kit as correct for a 58 V8. Not sure if the previous owner put the longer bearing or what. Won't find out till put the truck back together. That will be awhile since I'm painting now.

If your truck was previously equipped with a "three finger" Borg and Beck clutch it will use a different bearing than the "diaphragm" style clutch frequently sold as a replacement. The diaphragm unit will not adjust well nor will it feel right and it may require an assist spring to return the pedal properly. IIRC when I replaced my three finger type clutch I ended up with a Borg Warner HD model from a 63 or so 3/4 ton Chevy truck listing in order to find one.

Also, for anyone changing a clutch I'd recommend using the old fashioned bronze bushings over the new metal bearings. The bearings are nice but if they fail they can damage the trans input shaft to the point it will need replacement. I've seen it plenty of times when I was a mechanic in truck country.

[chevyfiftynine]

Thanks TX58 and 1project2many - I think someone must have put in a substitute clutch at some point. I'd be taking a chance that a ten and a half won't fit, or maybe the flywheel will need to be replaced. It's such a big job that I wouldn't like to fit the wrong part. I suspect I'll only find out by fitting the ten and a half and seeing if it works. Regards, Barry.