After 8 1/2 years my slave cylinder is starting to crap out on me. At this point it's leaking slowly, still works fine, but I have to fill the reservior once in awhile. So I guess I need to start collecting parts for when it lets go.

Is there a particular slave cylinder that is considered better than the others? I'm thinking of going back with oem, but if there's something better I'd like to use it.

My second question is about the clutch. Since I'll have it apart I might as well replace that as well. (Only 63k but what can ya do?) I have the 4.6 which is stock other than a cai, catback and edge tuner. The clutch does see some abuse now and then; I run 33" tires and 3.55 gearing and do quite a bit of city driving, but I'm pretty easy on it for the most part. Here's my question: Is it worth the money to step up to a Centerforce dual friction clutch set? I definitely don't need the extra clamping ability for my stock 4.6. Centerforce advertises the DF clutch as being good for 4x4 applications and able to withstand a lot of abuse while behaving like a stock clutch which sounds good to me. I've found the Centerforce pressure plate and disc online for about $415. Rock Auto has stock replacement clutch sets starting around $270 and I haven't checked prices locally yet. So I'm not sure if I want to drop the extra cash on the Centerforce...does anybody have experience with their clutches in these trucks or any vehicle for that matter? Also, does anyone have an opinion on LuK's Pro Gold series clutches? (not sure if the have one for my truck yet)

Sorry for the long post, I have lots of ideas floating around in my head and could use some opinions. Thanks guys.

 

Since you got the 4.6... I'd recommend a Centerforce DF.

 

I went heavy duty and regretted it. After dealing with major clutch chatter for over 2 years I went back to OEM.

Whatever you do, replace the pilot bearing and either bench grind the flywheel or replace it.

 

Hi

I have the same situation as RayD except my engine is a 4.2 2002 F-150 4x2 5 speed.

Opinions please and thanks

Harry

 

OEM, Harry.

 

Hey, thanks for the replies guys. I'm still undecided on what I want to do here. I know I don't really need a dual friction clutch...I just have that little voice in my head telling me I want one. I also want to get the transmission freshened up while I have it out so that additional cost may push me toward a cheaper stock replacement clutch.

glc, I don't know the particulars of your experience with the hd clutch chattering, but I had a similar issue with a Ford replacement clutch in my 94 Ranger. I blame the installation in that case. I think the installer (me, 1st clutch job ever) did a poor job of cleaning the new flywheel/disc/pressure plate when putting it together. I've done a lot of clutch jobs since then and never had any chatter problems. And that includes a pretty heavy duty clutch in my Mustang. (well my 5.0 clutch chattered a little when new but cleared up once it broke in)

Anyway, thanks for the input. I'm hoping JMC will chime in on this one since he seems to be the expert on abusing M5ODs and clutches.

 

Im in the process of having a shop bulletproof my m50d... but talk is cheap... once its on the bench, its another story.

 

To the OP; The M5OD would not stand up to the torque of my engine if I used a stronger than stock clutch, so I use OEM spec clutches. Luk makes a good system. Make sure that you purchase an improved slave. Your 02 should have it. It has a black boot on it.



The good kits come with new throw out and pilot bearings, alignment tool and the clutch.

ManualF150; I hope you post pics and specs of your new M5OD.

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JMC, would you recommend any particular brand of slave? The stock one does have a boot which I probably have to thank for it lasting as long as it has.
I guess I'm going to have to tear it down sooner than later. Leaving work today the pedal wanted to stay on the floor so I was stuck in a parking lot for awhile filling the reservior, pumping the pedal and leaving a brake fluid puddle on the ground.

 

I have only used Ford slaves.

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If your stock slave lasted 8.5 years, why not replace it with the same thing? I understand old school mechanics think aftermarket is better than OEM anything, but that's not necessarily the case these days. I used to be like that, now I know better.

 

glc, I tend to use oem parts when I can depending on the application. In this case, these slave cylinders seem to be a crapshoot regardless of whether they're oe or aftermarket so a quality aftermarket part may be just as good as oem. Who knows. Gotta make some garage space so I can tear it down. Really not looking forward to this job much.

 

I have used my share of slave cylinders and I prefer the Ford part. The improved one that is.

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Good to know. Thanks JMC

 

I know it's a PITA, an internal slave is just a **** poor design.