55.2-59 235 11-inch clutch availability

[MJN]

I am currently looking for a replacement clutch kit for my 1956 Chevy 3/4ton pickup, 235/SM420. The old clutch is 11" OD and I'm having issues finding a new 11" clutch kit, many are only listed for 265 V8's but not sure what the difference would be. Anyone else have a good source for a 11 inch clutch for a 235?

[leegreen]

I think from 235 to late '90s all 11" GM clutches are the same? my spare parts horde is a mix of 235 and '60s/70s disks and I can't tell them apart

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by leegreen

I think from 235 to late '90s all 11" GM clutches are the same? my spare parts horde is a mix of 235 and '60s/70s disks and I can't tell them apart

Yuppers, you take your old one out, pack it in the parts house, say "I need one like this for my Chevy" and that should do it.

Some searching on the GM Heritage PFD for 56 trucks https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...olet-Truck.pdf

Shows that the 11 inch clutch came with rpo (regular production option) 227 that was the 11 inch clutch. A 10 inch being the standard clutch for a 3 speed truck.

I checked a couple of spots and the websites do just show a 10 inch clutch for a 56 3600 and that is probably the issue. Still an 11 inch Chevy clutch for a 50's though mid 70s should be an 11 inch Chevy clutch no matter what the engine is.

You might check to see if there is a brake and clutch rebuilder in your area that you can take the disk and pressure plate to have rebuilt or exchange.

You might check and see if there is a brake and clutch rebuild shop close to you. One that you can take your disk and pressure plate into and have them rebuild it or do an exchange.

[MJN]

So I've found 11" clutches for cars with 235's but nothing listed for a truck. Feedback direct from Luk was they only have a 10" for a truck. I don't know why a BelAir with a 235 and 11" clutch would be different than a truck, same trans input spline count and OD. Possibly different throwout bearing between the two?
Also, the clutch I took out is a Perfection Clutch- seems their website is down or not working so I haven't been able to get direct feedback from them.

[mr48chev]

Your truck came with an 11 inch clutch, RPO option 227 as I showed in post 3. The problem is that the light duty clutch for a 3 speed is a 10 inch and that is what they show on line.

As I said before You need to walk into a real parts house lay the disk and pressure plate on the counter and tell you need one like that for your Chevy and that parts house needs to be one that still has the paper catalogs and doesn't rely on computer alone.

[MJN]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

Your truck came with an 11 inch clutch, RPO option 227 as I showed in post 3. The problem is that the light duty clutch for a 3 speed is a 10 inch and that is what they show on line.

As I said before You need to walk into a real parts house lay the disk and pressure plate on the counter and tell you need one like that for your Chevy and that parts house needs to be one that still has the paper catalogs and doesn't rely on computer alone.

I know what my truck came with- I have that same document and have the GM parts catalog. The 10-inch clutch could also be had with the SM420 4 speed, not just the 3 speed. And no one cares what RPO it was- the same RPO was for HD clutch with the 265 V8 but it spec'd a Borg and Beck style clutch and not a diaphragm style. It will be easier to find the clutch I need than a 'real' parts store with paper books around here. There are a couple heavy truck places I'll be calling.

[mr48chev]

A heavy truck place isn't what you want at all as it is not a semi.

A SACHS K547301 {K5473-01} Heavy Duty Disc
11" Clutch or equivalent should work

That's the 11 inch clutch for a 61 C10 with a 235.

Here is an outfit in Chicago like what I mentioned before https://www.naylorautomotive.net/truck-clutches

[MJN]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

A heavy truck place isn't what you want at all as it is not a semi.

A SACHS K547301 {K5473-01} Heavy Duty Disc
11" Clutch or equivalent should work

That's the 11 inch clutch for a 61 C10 with a 235.

Here is an outfit in Chicago like what I mentioned before https://www.naylorautomotive.net/truck-clutches

No need to be rude, and I apologize to be wasting your time simply asking if anyone had a good source to get a clutch. Don't bother replying if its so much trouble. Also, heavy truck parts suppliers can get light duty parts not just semi parts but I'm just stuck in a very tiny box I guess....

[MJN]

Originally Posted by gmc jr van

If all you need is the disk I found a NOS $49.00. I can PM you the link.
Your part number in 3758678.

Thanks, I will need the whole assembly, disc/pressure plate and throwout bearing. I did also find a NOS disc so far but no pressure plate. Thanks again