Clutch kit compatibility 94-99

[flat-hammershaft]

I currently own a manual 1994 2.3l and saw a 1999 2.5l for sale, same color, cleaner interior, about the same mileage (im suspicious the clutch is about to be toasted on the sellers) Ive looked at the clutches on rockauto and they do not look very similiar, but ive also seen that the transmission designation is the same (M5R1) Feel like im answering my own question, but a clutch from a 1994 wouldnt fit in a 1999, would it? Reason i ask is because i have a freshie clutch kit that i bought for some reason for my current truck. Hasnt needed it since i bought it (and tomorrow it will break) but if i got this truck - i just want to see if itll fit, if not id just give it to whomever buys my truck.. TIA

 

[Shran]

The main difference in clutch kits is the slave cylinder - if included - the quick connect is different on some. There are variations in flywheels as well, also, if included. In general though the big parts are sometimes interchangeable - clutch disc and pressure plate anyway. I think you would be pretty safe assuming that the clutch you have would fit the '99.

 

[sgtsandman]

The 2.5 Lima is based off the 2.3 Lima block. So chances are very good that the clutch is the same as long as the transmission is the same model. I would take the "trust but verify" approach. Look up the part number for the 1994 and compare it to the part number for the 1999. Motorcraft would be ideal but as long as the manufacturer is the same between the two, the part number should match if the 1999 uses the same clutch as the 1994.

As mentioned above, I could check the connection between the slave cylinder and the master cylinder is the same if you are getting an all in one kit. (Changing the slave cylinder while you're there is not a horrible idea since you have to drop the transmission to change it). If in doubt, get the whole master and slave cylinder system in a kit that has already been bench bled. It will make sure the connection is the same and make installation a lot easier. You'll still need to gravity bleed the system once it's all installed but that is easy. Just make sure you do not let the master cylinder reservoir run dry or you'll have to bench bleed the master cylinder again and the only reliable way to to that is outside of the truck.