The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Saginaw 4 speed 10” press. Plate to 48 merc fly wheel

Bored&Stroked · 05-22-2026, 10:07 AM

When I originally talked to RAM clutches about a custom flywheel and PP for my 32 Cabriolet, the production manager was initially looking at a diaphragm clutch for my application. (Very experienced dude)

I mentioned to him that in my experience, the diaphragm clutch plates finger designs were not compatible with the big-ass throw-out bearing width of our early Ford transmissions.

He hadn't considered that - so he setup their diaphragm plates with an early Ford throw-out bearing in a test jig - sure as Hell, the OD of the throw-out bearing hit the clutch fingers OFF of the TIPS when it was depressed. This is NOT correct and is a big problem. (As you can see in the above pictures, that is exactly what is happening). It would take a completely different diaphragm finger design to deal with this issue - RAM had none that would work.

Once he saw the issue, he checked all their diaphragm PPs - every one had the issue.

Due to this, we went back to a LONG style PP.

If any of you guys find a PP manufacturer that has a diaphragm style PP that is compatible with our big early Ford throw-out bearings, I'd like to know!

05-22-2026, 10:07 AM	#16
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,906	Re: Saginaw 4 speed 10” press. Plate to 48 merc fly wheel When I originally talked to RAM clutches about a custom flywheel and PP for my 32 Cabriolet, the production manager was initially looking at a diaphragm clutch for my application. (Very experienced dude) I mentioned to him that in my experience, the diaphragm clutch plates finger designs were not compatible with the big-ass throw-out bearing width of our early Ford transmissions. He hadn't considered that - so he setup their diaphragm plates with an early Ford throw-out bearing in a test jig - sure as Hell, the OD of the throw-out bearing hit the clutch fingers OFF of the TIPS when it was depressed. This is NOT correct and is a big problem. (As you can see in the above pictures, that is exactly what is happening). It would take a completely different diaphragm finger design to deal with this issue - RAM had none that would work. Once he saw the issue, he checked all their diaphragm PPs - every one had the issue. Due to this, we went back to a LONG style PP. If any of you guys find a PP manufacturer that has a diaphragm style PP that is compatible with our big early Ford throw-out bearings, I'd like to know!