Another Clutch Question: LUK Long?

[rmcbama]

Figured out from a previous post that my 68 289, 3 spd, should use the 11" clutch and that NAPA's a good place to get the LUK kit. I went by yesterday and they have it in three different versions. One was the original looking three-finger diaphragm, second was an 8-finger, and the third was an 8-finger LONG. The parts guy couldnt figure out what the difference was betwen the regular and long. I'm having them bring in the regular but wanted some insights with the differences.

I installing the engine and drive train this weekend but wont have the body on for a while longer. So I wont be able to verify its the correct clutch for soem time. Anyone run into this before?

 

[rmcbama]

By verify the clutch I'm referring to getting all the linkage connected and verifying the correct clutch arm movement, etc.

 

[rwill]

"long" refers to the throw out bearing lengt. Match to what you have now.

 

[kaw550]

I purchased a Luk while back from AutoZone. It was a diaghram clutch with about 20 fingers. Wouldnt that be a better choice?

 

[rmcbama]

20 is more like the correct number. I ball parked the number from the photo.

 

[DirtDonk]

I've never heard of an 8-finger "Long" style clutch. The three different traditional types of clutches were: Borg & Beck, Diaphragm, and Long. Ours used the Long clutch, which was always 3 arms/fingers. Borg & Beck was also three fingers, but of a different design and layout. The diaphragm had all the little flat fingers.
Never knew that the "Long" referred to the throwout bearing length, but that doesn't mean it's not where the term came from. I just never heard.

So it seems there are new things in this world. But either a 3-finger Long OR a diaphragm type clutch should work for your Bronco rmcbama. Most aftermarket performance clutch companies seem to have settled on the diaphragm as the way to go. Generally speaking, they can have the same clamping force with less pedal pressure. That's generally considered to be a good thing, but with normal spring pressures, there wasn't anything wrong with the Long style's performance either. I think I remember something about the coil springs they used being more reliable in the long-run and keeping a more even clamping force for more of their life? Or something like that.

Up to you, but wait for even more feedback here maybe, and take a look at all three types if you can. If they have them in stock it shouldn't be a problem to open the boxes.
If they have to order them, then check to see if they'll do it for you. If you're going to buy one for sure, maybe they won't care.

Good luck. Let us know what you find out about the 8-finger Long too. And if any of them need different throwout bearings. I'd be very interested in that. I've only ever seen one part number for the TO bearings for Broncos.

Paul