External Slave cylinder question - Coyote/TKX

[Blitzboy54]

I purchased my TKX and accompanying parts from Mike Forte, he put a package together to go with my Gen 2 Coyote and gave me a great price (love Mike). He sold me a Ram hydraulic release bearing. I didn't really give it any thought beyond that. I have never used and internal bearing and I have seen dozens of builds here that have so I figured why not. I spent quite a bit of time over the break getting all the measurements and testing done to get my drive train built. I used all the shims that came with the bearing and came up about .100 short from the .150 spacing the instructions call for. Also the stud was too short. I ordered shims and a longer stud from Ram. The more I get into it the more I realize I basically have one shot to get this right or I have to pull the transmission out. If the lines rub or leak I have to pull the transmission out. If I don't like the position or I need to make adjustment of any kind.... guess what?

So I am considering calling an audible and moving to an external setup. I like being able to access everything from the outside. MDL has a kit for the Tremec 1899 bell housing. My question to the forum is what fork and pivot ball would I need? I assume anything that fit the 4.6L would work but I figured I would ask.

[Ford & Jeep Fan]

I purchased my TKX and accompanying parts........ The more I get into it the more I realize I basically have one shot to get this right or I have to pull the transmission out. If the lines rub or leak I have to pull the transmission out. If I don't like the position or I need to make adjustment of any kind.... guess what?

So I am considering calling an audible and moving to an external setup. I like being able to access everything from the outside. MDL has a kit for the Tremec 1899 bell housing. My question to the forum is what fork and pivot ball would I need? I assume anything that fit the 4.6L would work but I figured I would ask.

I too feel the same way you do about these hyd throwout bearings. It is a amazing how many options there are making your own ext slave cylinder set up. I saw a 80 Fox Mustang converted many years ago using S-10 bits.

[OB6]

I went with a Tilton internal setup and it appears that it has a different adjustment design than what you're describing with the Ram - i.e. no shims to deal with, and a very precise threaded body. So far it's the smoothest clutch engagement I can remember using, this side of a stock Miata. There are certainly pros and cons to internal and external setups, but in my case the external setup that Mike Forte provided wouldn't fit without frame interference.

[edwardb]

X2 on the Tilton HRB. 8,000+ miles in my Coupe over four seasons and it's smooth as silk. Several on here have reported issues with the Ram version. Everyone likes to talk about the downsides of a hydraulic throw-out bearing. How about the positives? Smooth, less effort (I've had internal and external on the exact engine/clutch combinations and the reduced effort is noticeable), easy setup, self-adjusting like disk brakes, and cheaper. Yes, it's a major teardown if there's a failure. But then so is clutch maintenance/replacement, traditional thrown-out bearing replacement, etc. I'm very happy with mine and I'd install another one without hesitation.

[RoadRacer]

It was purely foot room for me but I’m In a hot rod. External setup loses a lot of space down there. Other cars may not have that issue.

[Mike.Bray]

I've had many HTBs in my life. First one I ever used many years ago was a McLeod and it failed. Replaced it with a Tilton and never had an issue. I've not personally used a Ram but I haven't heard a lot of positive things about them. Their clutches and flywheels, yes but not their HTB. The Tilton is a piece of art, very well designed and works extremely well.

I have this one (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/til-60-6102) in my Factory Five and absolutely love it. Smooth as silk and very little effort required. As a design engineer the external cylinders look like a Rube Goldberg device compared to the internal HTB which is much more simple and elegant.

My Tilton HTB is paired with a Tilton 13/16" bore Tilton master cylinder which I would strongly recommend.

Here's a picture of the Tilton adjustment sleeve installed on my TKX.

https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/cimg0489.jpg

[Blitzboy54]

Thanks Paul and Mike. It sounds like I wanted the Tilton unit. It's a fairly expensive thing for me to switch into at this point. I think I am going to switch to the external slave cylinder. I updated my build thread with details as to why. Bummer, I will use the Tilton if I build another one.

[Mike.Bray]

Thanks Paul and Mike. It sounds like I wanted the Tilton unit. It's a fairly expensive thing for me to switch into at this point. I think I am going to switch to the external slave cylinder. I updated my build thread with details as to why. Bummer, I will use the Tilton if I build another one.

FWIW, if there's any way you can swing the Tilton HTB you should. Maybe you can return some stuff? The Tilton unit makes driving such a pleasure with it's low effort and silky smooth actuation. And it's self adjusting so you never have to touch it. Two things I am over the moon about doing on my car, the HTB and power steering. These two things make driving such a pleasure, and the 550 HP under my foot lol

[MB750]

Your concerns are exactly why I went with an external slave cylinder for my hydraulic clutch. I got everything except the MC from here:

https://dazecars.com/dazed/test.html