Technical chevy clutch question?

Im putting a recon 283 in my truck so while I'm at it's getting a new clutch.
At the moment it has a spring type pressure plate which i have to send away to be rebuilt. My question is, can i change it from the old truck spring type pressure plate to a diaphragm style pressure plate? The only difference i can see is the diaphragm pressure plate is thinner than the original spring type. Thanks Zac

 

Use the right release bearing ...

 

The old Chevys had two different throw out bearings, one for the three arm style clutch and another for the spring finger style. The actual bearings are the same the difference is in the length of the collar. There are several release arms depending on the year of the bell housing, some used a "Z" bar and rods others used a slave cylinder. It's easy to mix and match to come up with what you need.

 

Plop the PP on it's face on a bench or other flat surface. Drop the TO bearing on top of the fingers, measure up from the table to the middle of the TO bearing groove where the fork sits. Replicate this measurement with your diaphragm set up. Although a good parts guy should be able to match you up with what you need.

 

the OP is in New Zealand...so it might not be so easy to mix and match parts....

As said, as long as you get a clutch kit that includes the release bearing, you should be fine.

 

I see more clutches now sold as a kit, good deal!

 

Thanks fella's I will go and check it out.
Cheers Zac