Update:

Robin at Superior Friction in San Jose, CA put together a clutch for my combination that includes, a diaphragm pressure plate, kevlar and organic clutch plate, throw out bearing and pilot bearing.  He tests every clutch combo before sending it out.  He is a one man operation but is extremely knowledgable and very helpful.  I reccomend him highly.  His phone # is 408-436-1101.

   

1956 F100 Big Window 309ci Y-block,  1956 F100 small window 272ci Y-block

Greg.  Mountains of North Eastern CA

Charlie,  Years back I broke the adjustment rod on one of my '57's,I had about 10 threads left on the end so I bought a 1" long threaded union,12" of all thread rod,2 large nuts(for adjustment),and a lugnut with a concaved end.Threaded the union on both pieces then welded both sides so they wouldn't back off,then added 1 of the large nuts and the lugnut and extended the rod through the clutch arm about 2" and added the other large nut and a lock washer. Had plenty of adjustment after that and never failed me once for the next 10 yrs(sold the car).I know it's a little backyard but I needed a quick fix to get back on the road and it lasted forever! KID

On Charlie Mc's advise I called Centerforce back.  So, here is some more information.  When I spoke to Centerforce again, and after considerable discussion, they came up with part # DF-559000.   This is not a direct application but is a diaphragm style pressure plate with dual friction clutch disc kit designed for Mustangs, Torinos, etc. with a 429 and toploader 4 speed with 11" clutch. (I think this is what John M was eluding to).  Again this is 1 3/8", 10 spline input shaft with 11" clutch on flywheel with three sets of (2)  5/16" bolt holes. The bolt holes are 3 3/8" apart center to center in each set.  This part # should work with stock Ford truck throwout bearing and pilot bearing (up to 1964) with no problems according to Roger at Centerforce.

Also, I was referred to a clutch shop in San Jose, CA called Superior Friction by a friend who owns a hotrod shop.   I spoke to Robin at Superior Friction who was very helpful.  He says he knows and has worked with John Mummert in the past and has put together this application before.  He is going to call me back tomorrow with more info on a package he can put together (It includes a diaphragm style pressure plate).  I will post here after I speak to him.

So, it looks like I will cancel the Napa clutch and get one of the two mentioned above.  I will keep you posted.

   

1956 F100 Big Window 309ci Y-block,  1956 F100 small window 272ci Y-block

Greg.  Mountains of North Eastern CA

I think you should try Centerforce if they think they can put one together. You might call them and say that you know someone who is running an a 1990 Centerforce Mustang clutch , Centerforce part #DF021048, in his '61 F100 with the same engine. I am having a problem with my clutch linkage which is that the adjuster rod is too short for the parts I am using. I'll have to make it longer before too long.

Your stock throwout bearing will be longer from the face of the bearing to the fork groove than mine which should give you a considerable amount more adjustment to work with, assuming that the pressure they pull for you is at least as thick as that of the mustang clutch above. Long story short, I think you'll be fine with what they have to offer and if you need a longer adjustment rod, chances are I'll have a solution figured out by that time.

And as an added benefit to others, we will know what part numbers to order to get a good aftermarket clutch for the trucks.


Lawrenceville, GA

Thanks everyone for your help.  It looks like I will have to go with a original equipment style clutch. (Like Charlie Mc said).  I called Carolina Clutch and LUK clutch,  they only have the 12".   I called Street Side and Auto Com, they have orignal style clutch and say it is 11" but did not have all specs to compare with.  Also, most of their clutches are imported (can you say Chinese).  I talked to Centerforce and they had to put together a combo they thought would work but were not sure if the clutch fork angles and depth would be the same with diaphram style pressure plate.  And I also talked to my local parts guy (Napa).  They confirmed with the manufacture (made in USA) all the specs and measurements.  So, I decided to keep it simple and go with original equipment replacement from Napa.  They are a little higher in price but the parts are american made and I keep my business local.

I appreciate all the help and support.  You guys are great.  Thanks!!!

   

1956 F100 Big Window 309ci Y-block,  1956 F100 small window 272ci Y-block

Greg.  Mountains of North Eastern CA

All Ford trucks that I have seen used the 1-3/8" 10 spline hub through 1964. That hub goes all the way back to the Model A.

I don't know of a diaphragm pressure plate that is compatible with the 1-3/8" hub. The one we sell is for the 1" or 1-1/16". There can also be compatibility problems with the thickness of discs between cars and trucks. The 1-3/8" truck discs are thicker and can cause slipping or release problems when mixed and matched with car pressure plates.

The 427 Toploaders used the 1-3/8" input shaft so some high performance  parts might be available.

http://ford-y-block.com 

20 miles east of San Diego, 20 miles north of Mexico

There’s no guarantee that the parts in your car are original at this point in time but here’s the information from the Ford parts catalogue on clutch sizing.

 1954-1957 Ford car 239/272/292 --- 10” 10 spline clutch disk.      

 1956-1957 Ford car 312 --- 11” 10 spline clutch disk.

 1958-1959 Ford car 292 --- 10” 23 spline clutch disk.

 1955-1957 T-Bird  --- 11” 10 spline clutch disk

 1954-1957 heavy duty 239/272/292 applications --- 11” 10 spline clutch disk.

 1958-1959 heavy duty Y applications --- 11” 23 spline clutch disk.

 

Heavy duty refers to Taxi Cabs and Police Cars  

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I'm also considering changing to a centerforce clutch in my 56 Victoria with a 292 3 speed. Does anybody know what size clutch would be in this car originally. I would like to order what I need before tearing it apart.  Thanks  Dave.

SE Wis

Greg,

I believe the 11" Y block and FE flywheel bolt patterns were the same. I got one for a 63 Galaxie with the 406 and it fit my y block flywheel but that is the 1 1/16" 10 spline. I have taken out several 11" 1 3/8 10 splines out of larger trucks, box vans, etc with Y's. It is a fairly common size and I think any of the larger trucks with I6's also used this clutch. You may need to look into ordering for say F350 and above.

55 Vicky & customline

58 Rack Dump, 55 F350 yard truck, 57 F100

59 & 61 P 400's, 58 F100 custom cab, 69 F100, 79 F150, 82 F600 ramp truck, 90 mustang conv 7 up, 94 Mustang, Should I continue?

Thanks Paul2748,

I called centerforce today and they said there are several different bolt patterns for the 11" clutch.  Since I'm at work I will have to measure tonight when I get home and call them back tommorrow.  I appreciate the input.

   

1956 F100 Big Window 309ci Y-block,  1956 F100 small window 272ci Y-block

Greg.  Mountains of North Eastern CA