[DeTomaso] Slippage in 4th gear, Clutch recommendations?

[fresnofinches at aol.com]

Bruce,

For a stock car, rebuilding the stock components may offer the easiest
solution.  I did this some time back on 2511 and have had no issues.

2511 is running the stock rebuilt Cleveland, putting out about 375 FWHP
and has not overpowered the rebuilt stock pieces in about 10,000 miles. 

Search out an old time drivetrain specialist in your area who still rebuilds
clutches; perhaps truck or agricultural orientated.  A good one will know
the pieces are Ford but slightly different, as they were specific to our
Panteras.  Have the clutch disc and the pressure plate rebuilt.  You can
probably get your choice of friction material.

Remove your flywheel and have your rebuilder resurface it. No need to
remember how it 'clocks' onto the crankshaft-bolt pattern only fits one way.

Buy a new throwout bearing, and search out a true bronze 
(non-magnetic import crap is not what you want) pilot bearing to replace
the stock one in your crank snout-stock one is likely worn to some degree.

There is an owner here in California that machines them if your local
search fails to turn one up.  I found mine in a generic replacement
assortment my rebuilder had on his shelf.

Others may chime in on upgrading to a vendor supplied system, often
requiring a new flywheel.  Nothing wrong with that route, but for basic
driving probably not really a necessary expense.

My 2¢

Larry