Type of Clutch for a bad back?

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Tarrapin Mallard

New member
So, I turned forty a year and a half ago. Just before that I injured my back. Come to find out I have degenerating discs. Oh the fun! I had gotten quite better, but my left sciatica never quite went away. This winter I over did it wheeling and shoveling. I am dealing with my left sciatic acting up right now. I have started to think that I should try to lighten my clutch as much as possible. For my 2nd gen Cummins I have come up with SouthBend double disc has a pressure plate that is 3250#, I have come to believe stock is 3400#. My friend that I bought the truck from said he put a heavy duty clutch in, but is not sure what. My first thought was to see if I could just change the master and slave cyl, but have not come up with anything from that. Does anyone have any other ideas....other than an auto with a shift kit?

Thanks, and take care of yourself.
 
S

shortbus4x4

Expedition Leader
Get the upgraded hydraulics for it. They help the push the clutch pedal pressure a lot. Look into trading your setup to someone with an auto who wants a manual.
 
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plainjaneFJC

Deplorable
A southbend double disk? Yeah I had one, it held good, but pushing the pedal to the floor was the equivalent of doing 1 legged air squats. I hated it. I pretty much swore off manuals in trucks after that.
 
Regcabguy

Regcabguy

Oil eater.
My SBC OKHD's requires quite a bit more effort than the stock dmf clutch did. It shares the 3250# pressure plate that the SBC 3250 DD has.
I have the upgraded HD hydraulics. I love this trans but it's going to be an auto next time around.
On a trip from San Diego to Oregon via Hwy's 101&1 I must have shifted hundreds of times it seemed.
 
Last edited:
DCH109

DCH109

Adventurer
All I can say is good luck!. My wife did her back in years ago. Similar to yours. Still to this day she has trouble at times.
She then had a 2005 Jeep Liberty (damaged her back in 2008) 6 speed manual. Now that thing had a very light clutch. We kept it for two more years and I drove it.
She tried it out and after a week and walking with pain for 2 days said we need to sell it.

I have not owned a manual since then (yes I miss them) as she drives my vehicle at times.

If you find something let us know, I am looking at replacing my F150 in 3 years with a Dodge 2500.
 
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plainjaneFJC

Deplorable
Automatics are so nice these days. I hate to say it but even in sports cars. The new gm/ford 10 speed is faster than the 6 speeds on a road course.
 
T

Tarrapin Mallard

New member
Thanks for the replys. I am going to look further into an assist, and take the truck to a local shop so they can give me a better idea of how light it can be. I am also going to take all of the amo cans of self recovery stuff out from behind my seat so I can have full adjustment of the 6 way seat again. I will keep you posted on what I find.
 
C

calicamper

Expedition Leader
My dad is considerably older than you 78 and has the same back issue. He has been doing a stretch rutine in the mornings that he sorted out with a specialist. He rides his bike between 12-17 miles 5 days a week. If he doesnt do that he can hardly walk. If he does all the above he plays golf.

My suggestion learn about your back and find a really good physical therapist to develop a physical rutine. Oh and be ready for the day you enjoy having a slush box.

Good luck..
oh and I'm older than You by a couple of yrs. Paying closer attention to physical activity and weight goes a long way once you hit 40. I dropped 20lbs of having kids weight this last yr. No way I'm going back to that.
 
SDDiver5

SDDiver5

Expedition Leader
Cant help you with what type but since you have sciatic pain get the absolute best.

I feel you on the sciatic pain...I'm 27 tho. Takes lots of stretching and work on it for it to not hurt. I crashed my dual sport and messed up my back pretty bad. Hope it gets better!
 
T

Tarrapin Mallard

New member
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdeunaMerK4
So yeah. there are a few remote vacuum break boosters. I am going to look into it more to be sure I find one that can handle the volume. After I figure out what that is.

As for my back. I did have issues on both sides, I have been doing the PT and this time only my left side is having issues. That is why I am focusing on my clutch. I think I just have not been able to give my left side a good rest like the right has got. I am working on the weight thing too. I am not large, but I could lose 10 pounds. The funny thing is I was about to start weight training with a trainer less than a week after this flared back up. I am taking the steps. I have put the training on hold till I get a bit better.

Thanks for all the help.
 
eggman918

eggman918

Adventurer
When i did the diesel swap in my '68 ford i changed the vac. booster for the brakes to the hydroboost that was off the donor van and there is no comparison between the two, the hydroboost is superior.
If minimum pedal pressure is foremost in mind that would be my choice,as to volume of fluid vs master cylinder stroke a change in master cylinder Dia. "should' be able to bring it into sync with the booster you choose.
 
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