Hydraulic vs. Mechanical clutch -- when did the change happen?
 

The debate keeps surfacing on Facebook from time to time. Was there a specific model year change in the clutch pedal design? Was it a running change that happened in the middle of a model year? Did some factories change before other factories did?

Hopefully Keith Seymour or someone else with factory experience can chime in here.

Re: Hydraulic vs. Mechanical clutch -- when did the change happen?
 

1985

Re: Hydraulic vs. Mechanical clutch -- when did the change happen?
 

Some folks say they've seen hydraulic clutches as early as 1984 model year. Other folks declare up and down that their 1985 truck came with a mechanical clutch from the factory. Was there possibly some variation in the assembly plants?

Re: Hydraulic vs. Mechanical clutch -- when did the change happen?
 

Possibly, from left over orders or inventory

Re: Hydraulic vs. Mechanical clutch -- when did the change happen?
 

How many different manual transmission where offered? Weight rating of the truck may also play into year difference disputes.

Re: Hydraulic vs. Mechanical clutch -- when did the change happen?
 

Only 1 that I know of which was the SM465

Re: Hydraulic vs. Mechanical clutch -- when did the change happen?
 

There were a couple others. There was a 833 transmission with four speeds, overdrive, a floor shifter, and was a side loader.

There was also at least one side-loader three-speed that was column shifted. I've never learned for sure if there was a second three-speed available or not.

Re: Hydraulic vs. Mechanical clutch -- when did the change happen?
 

3 on the tree in 85?? never seen one of those

Re: Hydraulic vs. Mechanical clutch -- when did the change happen?
 

I believe it was 1985. My 1985 C10 came with a hydraulic setup and I had a 1984 with the old Z-bar setup.
Can't forget what a pain in the neck it was to bleed the hydraulic clutch on that truck.

Re: Hydraulic vs. Mechanical clutch -- when did the change happen?
 

I have an ‘83 crew with 4 speed that is mechanical and an ‘85 C20 and ‘85 C30 that are both hydraulic SM 465 setups. So after ‘83 and for sure by ‘85 but can’t speak to ‘84. Only one of those I’ve owned an auto.

Re: Hydraulic vs. Mechanical clutch -- when did the change happen?
 

I have an 84, its a Z-bar like Hatzie mentioned.
Also have an 85 and 86, they are both hyd with the sm465 transmissions.

Bubba

Re: Hydraulic vs. Mechanical clutch -- when did the change happen?
 

I agree with the consensus. I got this out of a 1984 Blazer a few weeks ago. I do wish it had been an 85.