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(my '80 2WD)... I pulled the eng. and took the clutch off. It looks worn and has been hot, but it's not into the rivots at all.
When it was up and running, it seemed to slip a little.
I was trying to drag something backwards once, and I was able to get the clutch pedal all the way out and not stall the eng. (this I'm sure explains the signs of heat).

Has anyone else done this? I thought a good clutch would kill the eng. every time.
I've done this with my 4X4 also, while in 4X4 low. I got the clutch pedal all the way out, about half or so, throttle tire in a ditch, and eng. running, tires stopped. Clutch slipping.

Are the clutches just a weak link on these drive trains?

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?

sounds to me u need heavier clutch pressure plate and i would say u will need a new cluth plate try a heavy duty organic clutch plate it may help

First check for proper free play. Should be able to push the pedal down about an inch with your fingers before any resistance is felt. I believe they tend to be a little on the weak side but should still kill the engine. You may want to put in the 80 4x4 clutch as it was improved on those models. It was 1/2 in larger diameter with probably a bit stronger pressure plate assy. The fact that they improved it means to me they had complaints, or some problems.

I didn't think of that. Oh well. I got a new clutch from my mom n pop auto supply for $65. And a refurbished fly wheel for $38. So when I get time I'll put it back together. It even came with both bearings.

The new clutch looks a little different than the old one. It looks better. So I think the old one was a cheapo someone put in trying to save $.

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?

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'78 1.8L 4-speed Fleetside

The only thing more beautiful than a sunset is a sunrise.

Ron...from what I've noticed, the original stock clutch setup was a bit weak. Plus, if the guy that had the truck before you did a half-baked clutch job - then that would explain it easily. Because when you got a bad slipping clutch that doesn't engage with a big load in your truck on a hill - that's from friction heat overcoming tensile strength.

Spend a few bucks and get the heaviest/toughest clutch disk, throwout bearing, flywheel, and especially the pressure plate (replace them all with all brand new and not rebuilt parts) you can. I've burned a few clutches and had a couple blow out in the middle of nowhere with a big load in the truck- so I've learned the hard way. And if you put a new clutch disk in with a overheated/scorched flywheel and pressure plate - you'll be right back where you started again in no time.

Also I'd compare brands - because I've seen some pretty lousy made clutch disks and pressure plates that look like they were just thrown together at the last minute on a payday friday, or that were put together sloppily on a monday by someone with a bad hangover from a 3-day weekend of partying way too much...lol

I went with the heaviest 4X4 flywheel, pressure late, throwout bearing, and clutch disk I could find. It cost a bit - but a friend of mine with a Pup running a hybrid 2.3/2.6 has put 3 cheapo clutches in his - and it hasn't been on the road half as long as my truck has.

(And he kinda baby's his truck - and I sure don't...lol)

...Just my $.02 worth.

i didnt think the clutch was a weak link in the drivetrain. i mean my truck (79' 4x4) still has the original clutch.

I allways deep step my flywheels. Basically have your flywheel machined and where the pressure plate bolts up have them surface that area another .015 or so.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

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'78 1.8L 4-speed Fleetside

The only thing more beautiful than a sunset is a sunrise.

I dont know what you guys are paying for flywheels but I get mine machined for 18 bucks here, 22 for deep steping.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

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'78 1.8L 4-speed Fleetside

The only thing more beautiful than a sunset is a sunrise.

The new clutch is in and done in my 80 2WD. It drives great. I haven't tried to pull anything, just been doing normal driving.
The last straw for the old clutch was, I was trying to pull my trailer backwards up my driveway. It weighs about 10,000lbs. I chained the back of the trailer to the front of the pick up and was just trying to tug it about 10 feet. Well, we went to plan B after that.

The 4X4 clutch works just fine around town. I was trying to pull my Ford out of a ditch when I was able to slip it.Once it was slipping under load and the Ford didn't move, we stopped be for we did any damage. I just expected to not -be able to let the clutch all the way out, 1/2 throttle and not move. My son pulled my Ford out with his Ford.

Fulla, I didn't take any pics. I just pulled the eng. out. I felt it was easier than laying on my back and fighting the trans out and back in. Plus, it is easier to swap out the pilot bearing and flywheel this way.

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?

Thats the thing, pulling backwards is a lot harder work.

Im not to sure about the stepping the flywheel thing. Best to get an up rated clutch.

Bob.

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Current project, 1979 KB Isuzu Ute.

Daily driver, '86 Rodeo Spacecab.
Chasing parts for Isuzu Impulse.

When I was younger and we were using my stock '76 to haul heavy loads around my grandpas farm, we had the clutch do the same thing to us.

It's basically the equivalent of brake fade. Haven't you guys ever gotten your brakes hot enough that they don't work any more?

And just like brake fade it only happens from overuse and thats because you under clutched for the job your asking of it. Same goes with a vehicle with bad brakes.

A clutch should be like a switch. On or Off.
I keep telling the Mrs that. Shes like its only a clutch i will buy one. I told here she would be fitting it as well and she didnt like that.


If you have to to ride the clutch i say your using the wrong vehicle for the job.


Bob.

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Current project, 1979 KB Isuzu Ute.

Daily driver, '86 Rodeo Spacecab.
Chasing parts for Isuzu Impulse.

Agreed. That's why they are called "light duty mini trucks"...lol


BRILLIANT!!

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'78 1.8L 4-speed Fleetside

The only thing more beautiful than a sunset is a sunrise.

Yep, I also agree. Thats why I stopped once I realized it ain't gonna happen like this. We need more vehicle. My *0 needed a clutch anyway. But the 4X4 I quit before I destroyed anything. It still goes great.

My daughter now has her license, school is out, and I haven't seen the truck since.

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?

Am I understanding this correct, you say power is down and torque is down. Is that what is going on or is your clutch slipping?

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

In low range???
Going backwards???

Manual locking hubs???

Should have been about to drag a fair weight.

My mate is up to clutch 3 on his 94 pup. It regularly tows things it should not. Trucks and things like that, like full size prime movers and stuff.


Bob.

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Current project, 1979 KB Isuzu Ute.

Daily driver, '86 Rodeo Spacecab.
Chasing parts for Isuzu Impulse.