[DeTomaso] gumball detomaso pantera clutch
JDeRyke at aol.com
JDeRyke at aol.com
Fri Nov 13 01:57:12 EST 2009
The only real problem with replacing a Pantera clutch is when unfamiliar
owners try saving a buck or two and piece together a clutch from various
sources. The Pantera was designed around very tight space constraints- especially
in the clutch and bellhousing area- so most off-the-shelf clutch covers and
discs will cause various fitting troubles requiring adjustments. A Mustang
clutch will usually NOT fit in spite of what some say. If on the other hand
you order one from a vendor that's familiar with the Pantera, most or all of
the usual clutch installation woes will have already been taken care of.
I suggest changing not only the clutch cover and disc but also the pilot
bushing in the end of the crank, and the throwout bearing; these last two only
because they wear out more-or-less along with the clutch and will require
pulling the engine or ZF to access them if something goes wrong with them a
little later. Try finding a pilot bushing that is NOT magnetic. Such a one
will have the required amount of bronze; a magnetic bushing has too much iron
in it and will wear the ZF shaft nose rather than the bushing wearing.
Finally, when the old clutch is off the fywheel, look closely at the flywheel
surface. If its checked- those are shallow surface cracks that should be ground
off by a machine shop. If you have plenty of money, the flywheel can be
replaced for $350-450. Good luck- J Deryke
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