[DeTomaso] Pantera specifics for clutch and pressure plate?

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 6/11/13 10 33 1, boyd411 at gmail.com writes:


> While we are on the subject of clutches,I am considering changing mine 
> and
> I would like to hear suggestions on the best choices for parts and if 
> there
> are any other things I should do or replace while I have the Trans axle 
> out
> (like throw out bearing , clutch forks etc.?
> Also are there any maintenance or preventative actions ( like seal
> replacements) that should be addressed on the ZF while I'm doing the job?
> 
>>>I am a great fan of the McLeod diaphragm clutches, which is just about 
all that Dennis Quella sells these days.   Oh sure, you can get an old-school 
three-finger model, or a whippy-dippy dual disc job if you have a billion 
horsepower to contend with, but the (shhh, say it quietly) Centerforce-style 
diaphragm clutch from McLeod is probably best for 97% of the cars out there. 
  It has a soft pedal with great clamping force like a Centerforce, but it 
has a proper 11-inch disc instead of the 10.5 inch on the Centerforce.

Also, it bolts right up to a standard Pantera flywheel, so there's no need 
to spend big bucks redrilling the flywheel, or buying a replacement flywheel 
set up to accept the awkward bolt pattern (Chevy?) that Centerforce offers.

Apparently the McLeod diaphragm clutch requires the use of a different 
throwout bearing.   They sell an adjustable model (uses shims to set the proper 
initial ride height) which is quite expensive--$125 or $150 or something 
like that, I think.

It made a HUGE difference on Lori's car, #1765, which doesn't have the 
effort reduction kit.   The previous clutch was some sort of 'racing' 
non-Pantera clutch, and was literally the stiffest clutch I had ever felt, in 
anything.   Totally ridiculous, especially for a girl!   The McLeod has sufficient 
clamping force for any occasion, yet has a lighter pedal than the 
three-finger McLeod (with effort reduction kit) in my Pantera.

Highly recommended....

As for things to do while you're in the neighborhood?   Well, for sure, 
your gearbox ring and pinion bolts need to be safety-wired if they haven't been 
already.   More than a few gearboxes have been trashed by one or more bolts 
backing out, striking webbing inside the case and breaking the heads off, 
which then rattle around until they get caught up in the ring and 
pinion--BOOM!   Normally the result is a destroyed ring gear and pinion gear--easily 
$2500 right there, not counting labor.

One guy got very lucky when the bolt head got flung through the bottom 
cover just as he pulled into the parking lot at the POCA Fun Rally.   Dennis 
Quella hadn't yet arrived so he was able to throw a replacement cover in his 
bag, and a parking lot tech session took place.   (I presume they safety-wired 
the R&P while they were at it).   I think his R&P were undamaged, which 
shocked everyone.

If it's leaking from the sides, you can replace the side gaskets easily 
enough, I believe (somebody tell me if I'm wrong about that).   Do not open up 
the rear of the gearbox however.   Chances are it won't go back together, 
and then you get to put all the pieces into bags and boxes and ship the whole 
works off to an expert, who will do what experts do.   The result will be a 
perfect gearbox that will likely outlast the rest of the car (and you!), and 
a dramatically lightened wallet.   If your gearbox ain't broke, don't go 
fixing it!

Cheers!

Mike

P.S.   As far as I know, only McLeod and Centerforce make Pantera-specific 
clutches.   Resist at all costs the temptation to buy a generic 351C clutch 
for a Mustang, pickup truck etc.   A proper Pantera clutch probably doesn't 
cost much more (if anything) than an equivalent generic clutch....