Flywheel for 12" Centerforce clutch (DF200015).

[robroy]

Hi!

A while back I bought the DF200015 Centerforce clutch/pressure plate kit, which is a 12" clutch for the 390 application. This is totally out of warranty by now so I'm stuck with it, for better or for worse.

Today I tried to bolt the pressure plate up to my flywheel, but the pressure plate is too large; the threaded holes in the flywheel are about 1/4" or 1/2" closer to the crankshaft than they should be.

This is the factory flywheel, which I've since had resurfaced, balanced, and had a new ring gear installed.

My truck came from the factory with a 360 engine, and the factory clutch is 11" wide. I just measured the DF200015 clutch and it's just about 12" wide (a little less, but basically 12").

Here are my questions:

1. Did the 360 and 390 engines come from the factory with different flywheels?
2. Do I need a "390 flywheel" to bolt this DF200015 pressure plate to?
3. If I need a new flywheel, are there any makes/models that are specifically good? I'd probably just order a Centerforce steel flywheel.
4. Any comments on putting on an aluminum flywheel instead?
5. Is the 12" clutch a way better idea for a high power FE than the 11" clutch?
6. What's the right number of ring gear teeth for this application? Is it 184?
7. Is there any important difference between steel and billet steel? I see both types of flywheels.

Thank you very much!
Robroy

[fordman]

you will have to get a matching flywheel or a different pressure plate to match your old flywheel.

[robroy]

Hey Fordman thanks for replying!

It's hard for me to imagine a pressure plate that would completely cover this new, large clutch and still bolt up to the factory flywheel holes, so it'll probably be a new flywheel. It's just a matter of exactly what kind to get! I'm researching the options that appear on Summit now.

Thanks!
Robroy

[robroy]

I took some photos last weekend of these parts; here they are:

The factory flywheel (that won't work):



The pressure plate:



The flywheel side of the clutch disk. This clutch disk measures a little under 12", but definitely larger than 11.5".



The clutch disk on the old flywheel (the flywheel that won't work):



In this photo you can see how the mounting hole for the pressure plate is pretty close to the clutch disk. In order to work with my pressure plate, the holes will need to be about 1/2" closer to the ring gear.



I wound up ordering a Centerforce flywheel (700260) which is supposed to fit a 12" clutch. Hopefully that'll work out!

Robroy

[My427stang]

If for some reason your sale doesn't work out, I have a good buddy that specializes in clutches.

He can get a 12 inch flywheel and I'd bet beat most prices.

BTW, that new flywheel shouldn't be a problem, you just were trying to bolt a 11.5 hipo clutch (serviced nowadays with 12 inch clutches) to an 11 inch wheel.

Once you get the right flywheel it should be a bolt on. FWIW I run a 12 inch McLeod in my Mustang.

[My427stang]

One last comment, when you bolt the flywheel to the crank, look at how far the bolts stick out of the crank. (You can look a flashlight helps to see)

Some flywheels are slightly thinner, and if the bolts hit the rear main cap, you'll take out the thrust bearing immediately.

Happens all the time, if the bolts are too long, go with C6 flywheel bolts or grind the ends of the bolt down

[robroy]

Hey My427Stang thanks for the replies!

The Centerforce 700260 flywheel arrived today and fits the pressure plate beautifully, so my issue seems to be resolved.

Thank you for pointing out the potential issue with flywheel thickness and bolt length; I'll pay very careful attention to this now that you warned me about it. I wouldn't have thought to check that without your warning.

I took some photos of the new flywheel and I'll post them soon!

Thanks again,
Robroy

[robroy]

I ordered some new bolts since I thought they could be an improvement over the high mileage bolts from my old engine. The old bolts had somewhat worn threads.




Those bolts are 12-point. I'm not sure what the benefit is to that--does anybody know?

The new flywheel in its box. It's crazy how quickly this thing arrived. I ordered it on Monday morning and it was here on Tuesday.



It's a good looking item.




And the pressure plate lines up perfectly with its holes, thank goodness.




The clutch in place.



Now I have an exceptionally nice flywheel for an 11" clutch on my hands. It was just resurfaced, balanced, and has a brand new ring gear installed. Zero miles. Maybe I'll sell it to somebody looking for one of these.

Thanks!
Robroy

[robroy]

Here are some photos of the installed flywheel and pressure plate!




The sun was glaring off of that mirror like finish and blinding me!



The clutch in place.



And the pressure plate--the bolts lined up perfectly with this flywheel.









This particular problem is now solved! Thanks for the great advice.

Robroy

[67fordkc]

Robroy,
Can you tell me if this flylwheel and clutch setup will work on a 352? I am getting ready to install my 4 spd toploader in my 67 and need to replace the flywheel and clutch. Thanks!!

[robroy]

Hello 67FordKC!

I'm not certain about whether they'll work with a 352 or not, but I strongly suspect they will. I don't know of any important difference between a 390 and 352 as far as these parts goes, but I'm not an expert.

One thing that comes to mind is some concern over making sure the spline on your transmission matches the clutch disk spline. Maybe they're all the same so this might not matter, but exactly what transmission are you using? Is it an official Ford "Toploader" transmission or a T18 or NP435?

If you can wait to make you decision, I'd be happy to let you know exactly what I think of the performance of this setup once it's on the road. I heard from one guy that these Centerforce clutches have a tendency to grab, making the vehicle difficult to start out (smoothly) in.

If you call Centerforce at (928) 771-8422 x30 they should be able to comment more authoritatively. Just make sure they know that you'll be using their flywheel with their clutch, and not just their clutch, since their clutch wouldn't bolt up to the factory flywheel for a 352.

Let me know if I can answer any other questions 67FordKC!
Robroy

[67fordkc]

Robroy,
Thanks for the reply. My transmission is a RUG E3 wide ratio toploader out of a 69 mustang, so the splines should not be a problem. I have already tried my old clutch disk to be sure. I will call centerforce and ask if this setup will work. You may have already mentioned it in the prior post, but what transmission are you going to use? Hey thanks again, I look forward to seeing your completed project.

[robroy]

Hey 67FordKC, congratulations on using the RUG four speed; that should make the truck a whole lot of fun!

I thought seriously about using that transmission by the way, but in the end, I felt that I couldn't give up the granny gear and sacrifice any of the "truck" factor, so I stuck with the T18-1E that my truck came with. I had it fully rebuilt though so it should feel like a new animal! I look forward to hearing what your truck is like to drive with the classic RUG four speed in it!

Robroy