Attention 7.3 Powerstroke owners! If you’re looking for the ultimate clutch upgrade for your vehicle, look no further. We’ve scoured the market and tested the top contenders to bring you the six best clutches for your 7.3 Powerstroke engine. Among these top-performing clutches is the South Bend Clutch 1944-6K as the best clutch for 7.3 Powerstroke, which we’ll cover in detail and highlight its key features.
We understand that your truck is not just a means of transportation, but a reflection of your hard work and determination. You demand the best performance from your vehicle, and that starts with a reliable and durable clutch. Whether you’re hauling heavy loads, towing a trailer, or pushing your truck to the limit on the race track, you need a clutch that can handle the power of your 7.3 Powerstroke engine.
In this post, we’ll provide an in-depth analysis of the South Bend Clutch 1944-6K, including its torque capacity, materials, and durability. But we won’t stop there. We’ll also explore other great options that meet the same high standards of performance and quality. You’ll find all the information you need to make an informed decision and choose the best clutch for your 7.3 Powerstroke engine.
So, get ready to take your truck’s performance to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a newcomer to the world of diesel trucks, we’ve got you covered. Get your hands on one of these top-performing clutches and experience the power, performance, and reliability that your 7.3 Powerstroke engine deserves!
The Best Clutch for 7.3 Powerstroke Review in 2023
#1. South Bend Clutch 1944-6K Clutch Kit
The 7.3 South Bend Clutch 1944-6k has it all! A 13″ Disc with Diaphragm pressure plate and high torque handling capacity and ZF-6 stock makes it a high performance clutch for your vehicle. The flywheel surpasses O.E specifications and throwout bearing provides smooth transition of power.
For 99-03 Ford 7.3 Power stroke ZF-6 Stock
Features and Benefits of 7.3 South Bend Clutch
Engine: This 7.3 South Bend Clutch supports with Ford v8 1999-2003 7.3L Powerstroke. It provides you higher performance with extra rigidity.
Flywheel: The flywheel of this ZF-6 clutch exceeds O.E specs and goes through extended field tests to present a smooth and durable performance
Clutch Disc: The single full-face organic disc has 13-inch diameter.
Pressure Plate: Diaphragm pressure plate out folds to transmit the power from the engine.
Throwout Bearing: Standard throwout bearing quickly disengages the engine and increases the performance of the transmission.
Clutch Fork: The fork forces the pressure plate towards the disk and engages the flywheel.
Transmission: The clutch can transmit 350HP and 750 ft/lb Torque.
Quick Comparison: 5 Best Clutch for 7.3 Powerstroke
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Powerstroke: 7.3L
- Transmission: Manual
- Clutch Disc: 13'
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Powerstroke: 7.3L
- Transmission: Manual
- Clutch Disc: 13'
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Powerstroke: 7.3L
- Transmission: Manual
- Clutch Disc: 13'
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Powerstroke: 7.3L
- Transmission: Manual
- Clutch Disc: 13'
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Powerstroke: 7.3L
- Transmission: Manual
- Clutch Disc: 13'
#2. EFT STAGE 2 CLUTCH KIT for 99-03 FORD
This ford clutch model has the upper hand when it comes to the built quality. Highly durable materials come together to make it an extremely performance oriented clutch. Enduring flywheel, Carbonized Kevlar disc, dampened diaphragm pressure plate etc ensures the accurate consistent support.
FOR 99-03 FORD SUPER-DUTY F250 F350 F450 F550 7.3L POWERSTROKE
Features and Benefits:
Engine: EFT Stage 2 clutch fits with Ford 99-03 F250, F350, F450 and F550 series with 7.3 Powerstroke performance clutch.
Flywheel: High heat tolerance is ensured with this flywheel. It transmits the power smoothly without extra vibration.
Clutch Disc: Carbonized Kevlar material increases the friction and offers you more control over the wheels.
Pressure Plate: Increased clamp load comes from special Induction hardened single diaphragm design.
Throwout Bearing: Power transmission elevates through the high-quality throwout bearing and ensures higher performance results.
Clutch Fork: Pressure plate and flywheel stick together because of the fork that’s made of durable materials.
Transmission: This clutch can handle up to 235 Horsepower and a torque level of 215 ft/lbs.
#3. EFT STAGE 2 CLUTCH KIT for 94-97 FORD
In searching for the best clutch for 7.3, SFDD3250-6 is a good choice for vehicles with higher torque, extra modifications, or trucks that regularly tow over 15000lbs. Ductile flywheel, diaphragm designed pressure plate, and non-SFI certified street dual disc makes this clutch one of a kind 7.3 south bend clutches.
(99-03 Ford 7.3 Power stroke ZF-6 Street Dual Disc)
Features and Benefits:
Engine: This ZF-6 rebuild kit clutch supports Ford 1999-2003 7.3 Powerstroke.
Flywheel: The ductile flywheel is there to provide high performance and tolerate an increased level of heat easily.
Clutch Disc: Dampened street dual disc clutch is capable of easily handling heavy torque from the engine.
Pressure Plate: Light pedal pressure and Diaphragm designed pressure plate increases the performance of the clutch.
Throwout Bearing: The power goes around swiftly with the help of the bearing. You can feel the smoothness while driving.
Clutch Fork: 6 ceramic buttons on both sides of the disk works finely with the help of the fork.
Transmission: This clutch can handle up to 650 horsepower engine.
#5. LUK CLUTCH & SOLID FLYWHEEL CONVERSION KIT
This 7.3 powerstroke luk clutch kit consists of the latest alignment tool, genuine LUK HD clutch disk, pilot bearing, Nodular HD Flywheel that consists of a set of 10 ea and bolts, a through-out bolt and a guide on how to install it. All these components are upgraded and are suitable for Ford 94-97 F-250 and 350 series.
FITS 94-97 F250 F350 7.3L TURBO DIESEL
Features and Benefits:
Engine: This 7.3 Luk clutch kit perfectly fits the Ford 94-97 F-Series 250 and 350 7.3 turbo diesel engine.
Flywheel: The Nodular HD Flywheel includes a ten ea set and quality flywheel bolts, which is a money saver that provides long-lasting durability with proper functioning.
Clutch Disc: This LUK kit’s clutch disk is 13″ in diameter and has ten splines that ensure higher torque transfer.
Pressure Plate: The LUK Pressure Plate efficiently implements force to the primary clutch disk keeping it attached to the flywheel.
Throw-out Bearing: The throw-out bearing is newly manufactured with upgrades to ensure smooth operation in moving the pressure plate handles.
Transmission: The transmission this kit provides is manual. It performs with efficiency and durability for your vehicle.
Buying Guide for a best clutch for 7.3 Powerstroke
It gets really confusing when you’re in the market searching for a new clutch for your vehicle. Your attention has to be on various aspects of the clutch such as the size, weight, friction material, puck count etc. So, in this part of the article, we’re going to provide you with a full-length clutch buying guide that will eliminate all the confusion when it comes to choosing the good clutch for 7.3 Powerstroke. Let’s start.
Horsepower: It’s very important that the horsepower of the clutch exceeds or at least be equal to your vehicle’s engine horsepower. The clutch should be able to handle the torque power of the engine, otherwise, a disaster can occur at any time.
Clutch disc: If you’re using your vehicle for intense carrying, you should use a multi-disc clutch that’s SFI approved. So it can provide proper support when lifting a heavy load and simultaneously maintain the gear shifting. Also, make sure the clutch has a full face disc. The resistance material from the full disc should result in smooth and vibration free movement.
Built materials: An ideal 7.3 Powerstroke clutch kit body is made from high-quality and durable materials that are resistant to heat. The friction plate is durable and has a long life expectancy. When you’re selecting a clutch, look for the service history of that particular product. The history will tell you the ins and outs of the performance it can provide.
OE Specifications: For long term usage, make sure to buy the clutch that has OE component parts in it. OE components parts mean that the clutch was tested about one million times which is roughly 10,000 miles before putting out. Therefore, you’re safe from any worries about the clutch’s life-span.
Dimension: The size, weight and fitment is also a good point that deserves your attention. The clutch should easily be able to fit-in and easy to replace.
Flywheel: The flywheel should be robust, durable and comfortable with high heat settings. Ductile flywheel presents the best performance.
Throughout Bearing: As the other parts are connected with this portion, it should be able to perform its duty consistently. Durable materials bearing increases the performance of the clutch.
These are some of the important aspects you should consider before buying a clutch for your vehicle. You can never go wrong with your pickup clutch for 7.3 Powerstroke if you pay attention to these key features.
Related:
How to choose the right clutch for your driving style and usage?
The intended use of the vehicle when choosing a clutch is the most important consideration. These are the prior issues to choose a clutch. See below for key considerations:
- Vehicle Weight : Many cars have a heavy engine that produces a huge amount of torque and causes slippage on the wheels.
- Horsepower and Torque : This is another subject to consider. The high torque and low RPM is suitable for the lower clamp pressure. Like this, low torque with high RPM is required for higher clamp pressure.
- Rear and gear : The higher the gear is, the more pressure is loaded on the clutch which may end up up bogging. Consider this before you choose your right clutch.
- Tire selection: Tires with more traction to hook up harder, releases the load on clutch
- Intended use: There are a variety of driving lines for racing or in streetline, so the consideration of driving style is a must before choosing.
Note: It is possible to get up to 80,000 miles out of your clutch, shares AAMCO, but you’ll need to treat it well for this to happen. Source
#6 Common Symptoms Of A Faulty Clutch
Sometimes replacement for 7.3 Powerstroke clutch is required if the clutch is faulty. Here are the points to recognize it
Symptom 1: Clutch Slipping
This can be a result of various faults, for example, over the adjustment of the clutch, friction lining’s excessive wear, pressure plate damage, driven plate’s oil contamination, and overheating the clutch.
Symptom 2: Clutch Vibration
A common symptom is extreme jerking or shuddering output from the clutch engagement. The causes could be damage in the driven plate’s hub, flywheel or in the friction linings. These portions should be checked carefully before buying the clutch.
Symptom 3: Difficulty Shifting
Uneven adjustment of the clutch release mechanism or pressure plate damage can create difficulty in shifting. Sometimes a grinding noise comes along with these symptoms.
Symptom 4: Clutch Pedal Hard To Depress- Hard clutch
This can be caused by the broken components that block the free movement of the diaphragm. It reduces the clamping force and makes the pedal harder. The hard clutch needs a lot of force to get your clutch to work.
Symptom 5: Air in the line
for some reason sometimes air gets in the line where fluid needs to be, then, you will not get enough pressure in the system. And these results tend the whole system to operate incorrectly.
Symptom 6: Whining or Grinding When Clutch Pedal Depressed
A worn or damaged throwout bearing is always behind this faulty symptom. Low pitched grinding noise or a whining sound can be heard when the clutch pedal is pushed down. When the vehicle stops, the noise becomes quite obvious.
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What is the best fan clutch for 7.3 Powerstroke?
Hayden Automotive 2835 Premium is the best clutch fan for 7.3 Powerstroke.
The Fundamentals of Clutch Operation
The clutch fundamental is that it disengages the power-flow to the transmission without turning off the engine. It disrupts any power or torque transmission as long as the two friction plates are not attached. As one friction plate is fixed and the other is not, the axial load put on the friction disk determines the torque delivery amount. More axial load amount ensures better power transmission, and less amount ensures reduced transmission of power. There are two main parts to your clutch: the clutch plate and the flywheel.
The diaphragm spring is attached for power disengagement. The power-flow is interrupted when the clutch pedal is pressed as the diaphragm spring will move the pressure disk away from the friction disk.
Clutch kit
- The clutch bearing: The clutch bearing, AKA release bearing, connects the diaphragm to the pressure plates as the clutch fork occupies it, pressing it to the input shaft.
- The pressure plate: The pressure plate is fixed to the flywheel, which allows it to rotate continuously along with the engine speed.
- The clutch disk: The dual-sided disk rotates with transmission as it is fitted onto the friction surface. It catches onto both the friction surfaces.
- The alignment tool: It is needed for installing the disk. It fits the disk in-between the flywheel and the pressure plate.
Types of clutch
Types of clutches, which include:
- Single Plate Clutch
- Centrifugal clutches
- Wet versus dry systems
- Friction clutches
- Multiple plate clutches
- Cone clutches
- Hydraulic clutch.
- Electromagnetic clutch.
- Vacuum clutch.
In addition, some clutches for heavy-duty applications has a two friction plate
Single Plate Clutch is made up of two main parts:
- A clutch plate
- The flywheel
If you have a vehicle with the 7.3 Powerstroke Check our Best Water Pump for 7.3 Powerstroke – Top Rated Product Reviews
If you own a 6.0 Powerstroke Engine , upgrade your water pump and replace with OEM 6.0 Powerstroke Water Pump
FAQ
What is a clutch in a car?
A clutch is a mechanical device which engages and disengages power transmission and controls the connection between the shaft coming from the engine and the shafts which turn the wheels.
Clutch allows you to disengage the wheels from the engine (the engine generates power all the time) in order to change gear, allowing drivers to control over the speed of their car.
What are the Benefits of a Clutch
Torque Control: The primary job for a clutch is to transmit the torque from the engine to the drivetrain. It uses a friction surface to reduce the speed of the wheels.
Smooth Driving: The clutch helps to maintain the power flow between the engine and transmission. Consequently, you enjoy a smooth gear changing experience.
Engine: A good quality clutch will assist your vehicle’s engine in providing better performance and increasing the longevity of the engine. Thus, It saves you a lot of money in the long run and in a nutshell ensures
Brakes: By using correct techniques, you’re able to use the clutch as your brakes. The friction plate of the clutch helps to eliminate the acceleration.
Vibration: The flywheel and clutch plate works together to reduce any extra vibration while changing the gears. As a result, you feel at ease while increasing or decreasing the acceleration.
What is the Function of Clutch in Car
Connection establishment: The part clutch establishes an automatic connection among the drive-line and engine. This connection is activated manually for changing gear, as the motor is disengaged from transmission. Zero slippage occurs in-between the transmission and engine when the clutch is functional, meaning the transmission transmits all the torque and power of the engine to the driving wheel.
Transmission shift: There is a clutch plate in the primary automotive clutch with friction linings fitting in it that is attached between a spring-loaded pressure plate and the flywheel. The depressed clutch pedal enables the clutch cable to pull on the linkage so that the clutch can be disengaged. This disengagement allows the transmission to be shifted safely.
Transmission engagement: While the clutch pedal is released, the clutch plate is acted on by the pressure plate, which is spring-loaded. The pressure plate will pressure the clutch plate to reconnect the transmission and engine linkage.
TIP: There is a break-in period in all kinds of clutches. It would be best if you made sure that the clutch is not overheated by extreme slipping. Going by the instructions advised for break-ins or risk clutch failures is recommended.
What is the best clutch for 1998 f250 powerstroke diesel 7.3?
The best clutch for 1998 F250 Powerstroke Diesel 7.3 is the EFT STAGE 2 CLUTCH KIT for 94-97 FORD F250 F350 F59 7.3L DIESEL (SOLID FLYWHEEL).
This high-performance clutch kit is purpose-built for heavy-duty applications and can withstand the demanding conditions that your Powerstroke Diesel engine will throw at it.
With its solid flywheel design, the EFT STAGE 2 CLUTCH KIT delivers maximum torque transfer and improved throttle response, making it the perfect choice for high horsepower and torque applications. Its advanced design ensures that it can handle the power output of your engine with ease and provide you with the ultimate in performance and reliability.
In addition, the EFT STAGE 2 CLUTCH KIT is made from premium quality materials and features a specially designed clutch disc with high copper content for increased heat dissipation and enhanced durability. This means that it will last longer than other clutch kits on the market and provide you with a smooth and consistent engagement, even under the most demanding conditions.
Overall, if you want to ensure that your 1998 F250 Powerstroke Diesel 7.3 is equipped with the best clutch possible, then the EFT STAGE 2 CLUTCH KIT is the way to go. Its advanced design, high-quality materials, and exceptional durability make it the top choice for any discerning truck owner who wants the ultimate in performance and reliability.
Is exedy clutch any good?
Daikin’s Exedy clutches are around $300. These are not high-performance clutch; however, it’s a fabulous option for regular bolt-ons—a better choice than OEM replacement.
What are the best upgrades for a 7.3 Powerstroke?
Firstly, use cold air intakes to elevate the in and out airflow of the engine. Then, add more fuel to the engine to increase the performance.
What is the best year 7.3 Powerstroke?
Year 2000 is the best for 7.3 Powerstroke. It’s more powerful, durable, and versatile.
What is the best tuner for a 7.3 Powerstroke?
The Tuner SCT X4 Power Flash Performance Programmer takes the top spot as the best tuner for 7.3 Powerstroke. Our editors unanimously named this as the top pick.
What mpg does a 7.3 Powerstroke get?
The 7.3 Powerstroke provides on average 13 City/ 18 Highway miles per gallon.
How often should you change the oil in a 7.3 Powerstroke?
You should change your 7.3 Powerstroke about every 5000-7000 miles.
What is the life expectancy of a 7.3 Powerstroke?
The 7.3 Powerstroke is highly durable and long-lasting. It can serve you from 400,000 to 500,000 miles. A wet clutch system differs from a dry clutch. A wet clutch is immersed in a cooling fluid that lubricates it to keep it clean and extend its life.
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Conclusion
Selecting the best clutch kit determines the performance of your vehicle. Every clutch will not fit on every truck or jeep. Thus, it is required for you to make sure that it fits yours perfectly before purchasing one. The clutch kits listed above are made for Ford automobiles that are 7.3 powerstroke with manual transmission. From these kits, you can choose the best clutch for 7.3 powerstroke that fits your vehicle’s requirements and provides up to the mark transmission manually.
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