McLeod Hydraulic T-out Bearing questions

Okay, heard too many horror stories about Howe and other makes of t-out bearings, but not a single bad thing about McLeod's Hydraulic Throwout bearings. What's the difference? Does it have provisions to keep it from over-extending or something? Just better quality? At more than double the price, I want to hear it from you guys.

Also, what size master cylinder do these t-out bearings use? 3/4" bore? I need to order a M/C very soon for it.

Thanks guys!
Scooter

 

I've used one on a T5 transmission. It wasn't a "Hot Rod" aplication, (we converted a '74 malibu to a manual trans)

But the Mcleod Hydraulic T-Out bearing was worth every penny. (It's quite expensive)
It came with it's own master cylinder, a Willwood (I don't remember what bore size)
In order to install it on the T5 we removed the front cover / input bearing hub and the T-Out bearing ***embly bolted directly in it place. We took some basic clearence measurements as the bearing thrust surface interfers with the pressure plate fingers. It was installed with clearence and no adjustments and especially no shimming were necessary.
Hell, It was so easy my Wife helped me bleed it and I didn't have to yell at her.
From what I understand about it; it's designed to be a constant running bearing. Meaning it basically always toutches the pressure plate fingers and it self adjusts similar to a brake caliper piston. (I could be wrong but it's just the way it seemed to work)

I will be using the Mcleod again.

BYC

 

As noted above, they are more application specific and replace the front trans bearing retainer. I think that's why they don't have the over stroke issue. just get one with the corrcet throw based on the type of clutch you have. I think their tech help is very good.

 

Yeah, shimming doesn't sound fun and self-adjusting sounds GREAT! Thanks for the info!

In my case, it's a T56 (similar to most other GM transmissions, S-T10, T5, etc.). Man, I think the t-out bearing is like $380 or something. Still, everyone has said that once you install it and get it setup (bleeding the air out, etc.) that's it. Never have to mess with it. I like the sound of it. Pulling motors out to fix an overextended, leaking, or screwed up t-out bearing is NOT an option in my book.

 

I've never had a problem with a Howe style bearing, and I have been running them for 15 years. In my opinion, they are the simplest, easiest hydraulic bearings to use, you just have to read the instructions. I currently have three of my cars using the Southwest Speed version of the Howe bearing, and they are awesome. I have installed dozens of others.

 

What's the difference? What's the 411 on this t-out bearing? How is it different from the regular t-out by Howe? Are these good for a street application?

 

It is the exact same design as the Howe unit, I use that bearing because I am a SS dealer and I get a better price on it. I use it on the street on my '63 Ranchero, my '70 Mach I, and my '27 Track T has one and it is a street car also.

 

7/8 is the magic number. Okay. Great! Thanks!

Just out of curiosity, without getting too off topic, what clutch and flywheel are you running with your Hemis?

 

I got mine from David Kee Toploader. Switching a c-6 to a 4 speed on the Ranchero. Seems to work great, but I don't have enough leverage on the pedal...

I probably have about 300-400 miles on it.

btw, the factory linkage wouldn't clear the ******s.

 

Quality parts. Never had a failure. 3/4" bore with a 6 to 1 pedal ratio. Also make sure you measure before you order so that you get it with the proper sized piston the first time. The down time while wating for the proper piston is aggravating. There are about 10 different piston lengths depending upon application.

 

Whoa! Good to know!

It sounds like Wilwood actually sells the correct M/C with the McLeod as a kit per application. Definitely the fail-safe way to go. The pedals and bracketry will be all custom stuff, so not worried about about that business. I will just need the ratio so I can design pedals and linkages.

 

Taking a step back.... sounds like WILCAP is the answer to all my problems. Pat sells everything I need or can get everything I need to make it happen.

For those of you who know Pat McGuire (Mr. Wilcap himself), you know who you're dealing with. Awesome guy selling great products and giving great advice... I will be in touch with him soon!

Thanks to Jeff for reminding me! RULER!