UPGRADING THE CLUTCH
The 85 Mustang GT came stock with a 10" clutch. I
would definitely upgrade this to a 10.5" clutch if you plan on doing any big
performance modifications. The stock 10' clutch will not hold up to high horse power. You
can purchase after market clutch assemblies for the 10" clutch but most likely you
will have to replace or turn the stock flywheel anyway. The following is a list of parts
you will need to perform the upgrade.
Parts:
- 10.5 inch flywheel - from an 87 to 93 Mustang 5.0. You can
purchase this used but I suggest buying a brand new unit. You don't know what kind of
abuse it has gone through and you will want to get it resurfaced anyway. Be sure to get
the dowel alignment pins with the flywheel. The old dowels from the 10" flywheel will
not work on the 10.5" flywheel. Only use a 50oz flywheel on the 85 Mustang! Part no.
M-6375-B302
- Your choice of clutch kits. My choice is the
CenterForce Dual Friction setup. Outstanding performance! There are many on the market so
pick which one you feel will be the best choice for your application.
- Throw-out Bearing! Get a new
throw-out bearing for an 87 to 93 Mustang 5.0. Do not use the old one!
- Pilot Bearing! Get a new pilot
bearing for an 87 to 93 Mustang 5.0. Do not use the
old pilot bearing!
- Transmission collar. ( Optional) Check for play in the
transmission main shaft. The 85 T-5 comes with an aluminum main shaft collar and will
most likely be worn out. If it is an aluminum collar replace it whether it's worn out or
not. Better to change it now then a month later. The stock aluminum collar is prone to
failure. Some rebuild kits come with a steel collar for this reason. You can purchase the
steel collar separately from any ford dealer.
- Aluminum clutch quadrant kit. I suggest getting the whole
kit. Quadrant, cable, fork, and all. The stock quadrant is plastic. If you think the
quadrant is fine still replace it. If it isn't bad now it will go bad soon with the newly
added resistance of the heavy-duty pressure plate.
- The Shifter! If you plan on getting a shifter get it before
you update the clutch. It is best to kill as many birds as you can with one stone.
- Tools! (DUH!) Metric and Standard Sockets, Hammer,
Screwdrivers, Metric Torx Sockets, and a long ratchet extension is very useful. Around 12
to 15 inches long will be perfect.
- Support! (No not your wife or friends!) Two jack stands,
ramps, or as I use four 6"x6" inch blocks 12" inches long. The blocks will
never shift or break! I don't trust jack stands at all but ramps are safe. Make sure you
block the wheels.
- Bearing grease and Trans fluid! Some fluid may spill while
removing the trans. Ford recommends 80W-gear oil. Ford also recommends you replace this
fluid every 12,000 miles. I would definitely suggest you change the fluid at this time. If
you go with synthetic fluid I recommend Mobil 1 ATF or Redline D4ATF. You will need about
three quarts if you are replacing all the fluid.
- New Transmission mount! I would definitely replace this if
it is the original piece.
These are all the parts require for the modification. I
would not attempt to do this your self unless you have strong knowledge in changing
clutches or are mechanically inclined.