Clutch Slave Cylinder

[dmeis]

I am going to put a new clutch in this weekend. The Part Stores show two different slave cylinders for the Explorer.

Does anyone know the difference between the two? Is one a heavy duty unit?

They asked if I knew of the color on the one I am replacing. I believe it was a $20 difference in price too.

 

[slow-demon]

The 2 slave cylinders are different because they have different connector ends on them. It's either blue or gold. They are two different sizes so they are not interchangable. Don't quote me on this by I believe the '91- '92 explorers have the blue connectors and the '93-up have the gold ones. Just take a peek under your explorer and find out. You will also need a special tool to release the clutch line from the slave.

 

[dmeis]

Thanks for the info...I changed the clutch ou t this weekend. The more expensive one is the older design and is supposed to be blue in color on the connecter...it was so dirty that I couldnt see the color.

Bleeding it was a piece of cake, 1 guy to pump, 1 guy to release the valve and one guy to keep the fluid topped off.

 

[Rick]

What kind of clutch did you go with?

Did you bench bleed the slave before installing it? Just wondering because I've heard about so many people having problems getting their system bled.

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Rick Horwitz
Editor
explorer@4x4central.com
Editor
www.4x4central.com

 

[slow-demon]

Rick, all the explorer and ranger clutch slave cylinders that are bought through Ford parts are easy to bleed. Usually needing just one pump and bleed sequence. Sometimes you can get away with just gravity bleeding the system. I don't know about the aftermarket ones though.

 

[dmeis]

I went with a Luke clutch...It was the same in the Explorer to start with, only that one had the Ford emblem with a part number...

I would have probably gone with a centerforce clutch but my price ($150) on the clutch was a lot less than normal and they had it in stock.

The slave cylinder is exactly the same as the one that came out too. To bench bleed it I used a mechanic's syringe to inject fluid through the bleeder valve while using a round ended allen driver to open up the QD fitting.

We had no problems with air being in the system. We also kept bleeding and backfilling the system until there was clear fluid coming out of the bleeder valve.