Recommendations for Hydraulic Clutch kit

[jocko124]

Gents,

I'm about to pull the trigger on a T-56 Magnum. I'm planning on getting a McLeod RST Clutch and was wondering which Hydraulic kit (TO Bearing, master cylinder, remote reservoir) I should get. I guess what I'm really asking is what's the best throwout bearing to get?

Thanks

[The WidowMaker]

subscribing since my decision is only a couple months away.

not to hijack a new thread, but why the RST? the guys at mcleod actually convinced me to return my rst and go with an rxt. im only at 600 hp, but they said that it would be much more friendly. the different compound allowed for some abuse and damage, but with no permanent damage since it would "fix" itself. the rst would have to be rebuilt.

[jocko124]

subscribing since my decision is only a couple months away.

not to hijack a new thread, but why the RST? the guys at mcleod actually convinced me to return my rst and go with an rxt. im only at 600 hp, but they said that it would be much more friendly. the different compound allowed for some abuse and damage, but with no permanent damage since it would "fix" itself. the rst would have to be rebuilt.

The Hurst Driveline Tech guy was telling me the RST was the way to go and has great street manners--although we did not discuss the RXT---for what application did they recommend the RXT vs the RST? Not to mention I'm at 550 HP and probably would never exceed 700 HP. Having said that I have not talked to the McLeod guys. I have heard that the McLeod TO bearings are not very good--but this is not my strong suit and I'm looking to get a quick education via this thread!

[Ron in SoCal]

Hey Lee - I'm somewhat in the same boat as you and Tim above. 600 hp, RST for street manners and I bought the McLoed TO bearing for my T56 magnum. I've heard bad reports about it too, and it was very expensive (!), but the thing looks like a piece of aircraft engineering. I'll snap a pic this weekend and post it up.

[The WidowMaker]

for what application did they recommend the RXT vs the RST?

they said any application where you could smoke the clutch (auto x, road racing, drag racing etc.). from what i have read, the rxt is VERY street friendly.

I have heard that the McLeod TO bearings are not very good--but this is not my strong suit and I'm looking to get a quick education via this thread!

ive heard that as well. but to their defense, i havent heard much good about any t/o bearing.

[BTTBSS]

I just bought the TO bearing and lines from American Powertrain. Bearing looks very similar to the McLeod unit but AP says theirs has larger seals that are supposed to fix the leaks reported on the McLeod unit. I had some questions about the installation and took my TKO-600 by their shop. They put it on a bench and installed the parts. I had a different bearing retainer so they took one off a new trans and I was out the door in under an hour.

Trans goes back in the car this week-end so I can't report on how it all works yet, but they get A+ for customer service.

[American Powertrain]

Is this Hydraulic throwout bearing week? I also just got one from American Powertrain. Soooo much better and pedal effort is fantastic. I think the master cylinder they use was part of the solution.

http://www.americanpowertrain.com/GM/transmissions/clutch-hydraulic.html

[The WidowMaker]

Is this Hydraulic throwout bearing week? I also just got one from American Powertrain. Soooo much better and pedal effort is fantastic.

what/whos were you using before? i still havent made up my mind......

[jocko124]

Looks like I'm going with the McLeod 1400-30 unit.

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/mcl-1400-30_w.jpg

[Fluid Power]

Looks like I'm going with the McLeod 1400-30 unit.

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/mcl-1400-30_w.jpg

Please don't. I had 2 and ended up with a RAM unit. Tons better.

The Mcleod leaked right out of the box....Twice! I will give you the one I just took off if you enjoy that kind of punishment.

Seriously. They are junk.

I used a RAM unit that mounts using the stock bearing retainer. (TKO 600) Straight forward to install. Take a lot of measurements and then shim accordingly.

http://www.ramclutches.com/Products/street_hyd_release_bearing.htm

Hope this helps. If you have any questions, ask away.

Darren

[jocko124]

Please don't. I had 2 and ended up with a RAM unit. Tons better.

The Mcleod leaked right out of the box....Twice! I will give you the one I just took off if you enjoy that kind of punishment.

Seriously. They are junk.

I used a RAM unit that mounts using the stock bearing retainer. (TKO 600) Straight forward to install. Take a lot of measurements and then shim accordingly.

http://www.ramclutches.com/Products/street_hyd_release_bearing.htm

Hope this helps. If you have any questions, ask away.

Darren


Thanks for the heads up Darren. I'll have to do some more research to see if RAM makes them for the Ford T-56 Magnums (vs the GM T-56's). I have the stock GM TO bearing which is supposed to be pretty reliable and is much less expensive than the McLeod---but it doesn't fit.

[Fluid Power]

It looks like they do for the 05-08 mustangs. But not sure that helps at all. Break off a phone call. Their tech support is great.

Darren

[jocko124]

Thanks, I'll look into it.

[Matt@BOS]

Forgive my ignorance, but why is everyone purchasing aftermarket TO bearings rather than GM units?

Matt

[jocko124]

Forgive my ignorance, but why is everyone purchasing aftermarket TO bearings rather than GM units?

Matt

In my case Matt, the GM unit will not fit because I have a T-56 Magnum for Ford applications.

[Ron in SoCal]

A few months ago I picked up Mcleod PN 14-302 for the T56 Magnum. I hope it works better than what you guys have experienced cause pulling the tranny multiple times is no fun!

http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac52/flash911/Build%20Thread/2011-07-02_13-33-22_448.jpg

[American Powertrain]

what/whos were you using before? i still havent made up my mind......

I had a McCrap bearing before.

[jocko124]

Why are the McLeods so bad? I assume they can be rebuilt? Is there another seal that can be put in place before installing?

[214Chevy]

Please don't. I had 2 and ended up with a RAM unit. Tons better.

The Mcleod leaked right out of the box....Twice! I will give you the one I just took off if you enjoy that kind of punishment.

Seriously. They are junk.

I used a RAM unit that mounts using the stock bearing retainer. (TKO 600) Straight forward to install. Take a lot of measurements and then shim accordingly.

http://www.ramclutches.com/Products/street_hyd_release_bearing.htm

Hope this helps. If you have any questions, ask away.

Darren

Darren, which one of these from RAM did you use? When I clicked on the link, the page has like a million of them.

[Fluid Power]

I used the 78125HD. Available from Summit/Jegs or where ever you prefer to buy speed parts. The 78125 is available as well. The difference according to the tech guy at RAM was beefier o-rings. As both Mcleod's leaked, I was all for beefier O rings. I am running a GM crate 383, and TKO 600. a pretty mild combo in this crowd and it works perfectly. It is a little tricky to install as one must install and keep it inside the bellhousing, stab the tranny thru the RB.

My experience with Mcleods was a joke. The second install, the bearing squealed like crazy. When I called tech support, he said "it will wear in." Sure. that makes total sense. Every bearing squeals before it wears in.... And yes my math was done correctly. I even bought another pressure plate so the air gap was dead on.

Just Google 'mcleod release bearing leaking.' and start reading...

Darren