Hydraulic Clutch Slave Retrofit Kit

for

Ford Hydraulic Style Bellhousings

Hydraulic clutch release systems have gained wide acceptance in the aftermarket as a keen solution to both engine conversion and stock clutch linkage replacement scenarios.

Novak's Hydraulic Clutch Slave Retrofit has evolved into its best rendition, as our #HCRF. It bolts to the popular Ford hydraulic style bellhousings - typically Small Block V8 and Big Block V8 engines.

Our #HCRF clutch kit has been engineered to bolt to most Ford bellhousings and to work with their associated pressure plates.

All included components work as a system to insure a straightforward installation. The arm provides the proper ratio for the great majority of pressure plates and the T6 hardened and hard anodized billet aluminum slave cylinder and piston are absolutely durable, yet rebuildable or replaceable down the road, if necessary.

3/4" Slave Version

• our most popular - if you are in doubt which to choose for your Jeep, start here
• e.g., Jeep CJ, XJ, YJ, TJ vehicles with factory 3/4" hydraulic master cylinders
• Other types of factory or custom vehicles
• Note that the Novak 3/4" slave is usually compatible with many 7/8" master cylinders, but will increase required pedal pressure and give a less precise feel

7/8" Slave Version

• e.g., Jeep CJ vehicles with factory hydraulic release though our usual recommendation is to use the 3/4" version for adequate throw. The 7/8" slave with stock CJ master cylinder will have to be adjusted and set up to exact minimum clearance specifications to function properly
• Other types of factory or custom vehicles

Applications & Compatibility

Available Kit Versions

Hydraulic clutch release systems are typically engineered to have a 1:1 master-to-slave ratio, where the leverage is not obtained through differential hydraulics. The force is obtained through the leverage provided by the clutch pedal and then the release arm / fork at the throwout bearing, like a conventional mechanical clutch - the method of transmitting the force is the only difference. These principles are discussed here.

As such, the installer will generally choose between our 3/4" bore version or our 7/8" bore version to best match the diameter of their master cylinder.

• Choosing a larger slave for a smaller master may create a situation where the pedal pressure is reduced, but the lessened travel may not fully release a clutch.
• Choosing a smaller slave for a larger master may create a situation where there is excessive pedal pressure. However, the Novak 3/4" bore slave has more travel than OEM units and typically work with 7/8" master cylinders without blowing out. This is helpful if the throwout bearing needs more travel for release, but note that this is not a substitute for not choosing the right length throwout bearing.
• Keep in mind these ratios are based on the area of the bores, not the diameter so, πr² to calculate either master or slave area. Small changes in the bore size can yield a large change in distance or force. 3/4" bore yields .442 sq. in. whereas the 7/8" is .601 sq. in. Travel is a linear function of the area x the distance equals volume. The volume of fluid moved is the key and the same on either end no matter what changes are made so long as the system is sealed and no air is present.

For your best benefit, read and understand the principles of working with hydraulic clutch release systems and determine the applicability for your vehicle.

* Note that Full Size Jeeps (Wagoneer, Cherokee, J Truck) vehicles do not accommodate conventional, firewall mounted master cylinders due to the brake booster and the electrical bulkhead connector. If converting one of these Jeeps to hydraulic clutch release, the installer will need to custom configure a master cylinder accordingly.

Bellhousing Compatibilities

The Novak #HCRF has been proven to work on big clutch & small clutch as well as big bore and small bore Ford bellhousings. your bellhousing *must* have the factory hydraulic slave cylinder mounting boss, as found with most ~1981-1991 Ford trucks.

Ford car and truck bellhousings that do not have the factory hydraulic slave cylinder mounting boss as shown in the images. The factory bracket (as shown) is not required as Novak provides a new one.

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