Think my clutch is starting to go (MT)

[MyBoxersSayJoe]

I'm at 114k miles. On the highway in fifth, if I hit the gas the RPM's kind of jump up, but the speed of the car gradually increases then catches up to it. Is there any specific type of clutch I should get? Any mild upgrades? Anything else I should be aware of that may need to be checked out as well? The car has the 3.27 gear option from factory. No mods other than catted x-pipe and catback exhaust. Car's just daily driven locally these days, occasional romp when merging onto the highway.

 

[96blak54]

Parts store replacement clutch works great. The 03/04 cobra replacement clutch is beefier and little more money.

 

[white95]

This is another good choice:

https://lmr.com/item/EXD-07800/Exedy-Stage-1-105-Clutch-Kit-Mustang-05-10

 

[badass98svt]

Replace the TOB while you're in there for sure.
I used to recommend Timken, but pretty sure it's made in CHY-NA now.

 

[i86hotdogs]

I'd find the least expensive kit with a lifetime warranty. Just replaced the clutch on my '98 GT last weekend with a Duralast kit from autozone. Came with the clutchplate, pressure plate, throw out bearing, and pilot bearing for $110. Very easy to use in daily driving. Any clutch upgrade will be a nightmare to daily drive in.

 

[badass98svt]

I'd find the least expensive kit with a lifetime warranty. Just replaced the clutch on my '98 GT last weekend with a Duralast kit from autozone. Came with the clutchplate, pressure plate, throw out bearing, and pilot bearing for $110. Very easy to use in daily driving. Any clutch upgrade will be a nightmare to daily drive in.

Keep your fingers crossed that the t.o.b. doesn't start chirping

 

[i86hotdogs]

Keep your fingers crossed that the t.o.b. doesn't start chirping

Interesting. This is the third Duralast clutch kit I've installed (different vehicles) and never had TOB issues. Is that a Mustang specific case?

 

[badass98svt]

Interesting. This is the third Duralast clutch kit I've installed (different vehicles) and never had TOB issues. Is that a Mustang specific case?

Yes, the cheaper t.o.b. don't seem to last very long. I used to recommend Motorcraft or Timken, but I think it's all made in China now anyway.

 

[cobrajeff96]

What I've found, at least in the case of oil filters and few other things, is the Motorcraft became Chine made some time ago but FoMoCo is still Murica.

 

[MyBoxersSayJoe]

So does FoMoCo still offer clutches for our cars? Are all clutches essentially made in China now?

 

[badass98svt]

So does FoMoCo still offer clutches for our cars? Are all clutches essentially made in China now?

Valeo made your OEM clutch, if that's what you are after I'm

 

[96blak54]

The valeo clutches ive seen aren't made in the good ol'US. IIRC, they made in Brazil.

 

[cobrajeff96]

They're also made in Romania or at least they were for a time.

Not sure if FoMoCo does clutches, maybe only for the newer generation stangs. Things get older and less purchased within the dealer networks, parts typically get taken on by people like LMR, AM, CJ, etc, and sometimes the only way for it to stay economical is for them to dig a hole to China.

 

[MyBoxersSayJoe]

1998 FORD MUSTANG 4.6L V8 SOHC Clutch Kit | RockAuto

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.

www.rockauto.com

I'm on RockAuto, which clutch would you recommend going with? I see both Veleo and Motorcraft on there. Willing to upgrade if it's worth it, because after this I'm going to start to chase squeaks in the rear.