Best of Diesel is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
When it comes to vehicles, the importance of clutches cannot be ignored. It is any device that directly transfers the power from the engine to the wheels of the car. In a manual car, this is even more vital because the connection between the engine and the shafts is dependent on the clutch.
Powerstroke has completely revolutionized the vehicle industry, and the first engine to bear the name is none other than the Ford Version of turbo diesel V8. The 7.3 is a direct injection engine that is electronically controlled, but more on this later. First, let’s discuss a couple of more relevant things.
In this article, you will find out all the important information about clutches. Not only that, but you will also get a detailed analysis of the options available for your Powerstroke. You can compare and contrast these clutches to find the most suitable one for your car.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Clutch For 7.3 Powerstroke
- OUR TOP PICK: LuK 07-226 Clutch Kit
- RUNNER-UP: Perfection HD Clutch Kit by JTL Parts
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: EFT Clutch Kit
Comparison of the Best Clutches For 7.3 Powerstroke
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
When is it Time to Replace My 7.3 Powerstroke Clutch?
Clutches are very durable pieces of machinery and don’t usually require replacements. However, sometimes, your clutch might go bad and hence require changes. Though the product's degradation takes time, once the machine goes bad, the damage is usually irreversible.
There are a couple of symptoms that can hint at a faulty clutch. If you experience a sticking, spongy, or a vibrating sensation when you press on the pedal or the activity produces either a grumbling or a squeaking sound, then the chances are that your clutch has gone bad. Other symptoms to look out for are poor acceleration or the inability of the engine to be revved. You might also witness a difficulty in shifting gear when your clutch has aged or is broken.
So when you experience any of these symptoms, it is important you don’t ignore them and get your clutch replaced instantly. This is because riding with a broken clutch can lead to accidents, sometimes ending in fatal injuries.
Can You Really Find a Quality Clutch That’s Affordable?
Finding a clutch isn’t very hard, and, in most instances, new models are quite cheap too, but there is certainly a catch. The labor costs needed to replace a clutch is often high, and you might have to spend a couple of hundreds of bucks for that. For some smaller models, the cost can be reduced to $500-$600 as well.
Moreover, it is very difficult to replace such a device yourself, so whether you want it or not, if your clutch goes bad, you will have to hire a professional. If you get a good reference, you can get away with paying less money.
As for the actual product, you might not have to spend a lot of money. Most clutches have really good durability and usually last for a very long time. This ensures that you don’t have to replace clutches very often. Moreover, on a comparative, the money you spend on maintenance is going to be doubled if you don’t replace your clutch timely.
Review of the Best Clutches For 7.3 Powerstroke
Replacing your clutch can be a life-altering decision. This demands that you spend ample time contemplating this decision. But this time should not be spent on looking for clutch options. We have done all the research and found the top products for your Powerstroke. Make sure you compare the pros and cons of these to make the right decision.
Best Overall:
LuK 07-226 Clutch Kit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers state that this was exactly the product that they have been waiting for. After replacing their old models with LuK, they have shown higher contentment. High durability, better torque power, and high heat dissipation are some of the features they love most.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For the last thirty years, the company has done all it can to create an unwavering image for its brand, and after much struggle, it has certainly succeeded. But unlike other brands, LuK wants to keep its reputation intact. This is one reason all the products they launch come with the highest durability.
The enterprise uses the best construction materials like aluminum-graded steel and ensures that all products go through rigorous testing to meet the highest societal needs of comfort and stability.
Another reason for the brand’s unparalleled reputation is its focus on safety features. A clutch can be the barrier between life and death, so LuK has included a couple of safety features to ensure the product doesn’t break or get damaged midway.
Bottom Line
It takes a lot for a product to stand at the top of a list. LuK has certainly done justice to its name by introducing some exemplary features in its clutches. All its products are heat tested and go through a number of procedures to ensure the best possible quality. So if you are willing to spend a couple of extra bucks on quality, then this is the model for you.
Runner-up:
Perfection HD Clutch Kit by JTL Parts
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The company has a strict policy when it comes to the needs of the customers; they are always right, and they should always be listened to. This is one reason buyers are in love with this unit. The company changes the original design to ensure it perfectly fits the vehicle, and customers love this.
Why it Stands Out to Us
People often come across really good clutches, but they can’t get them installed in their cars because of incompatibility between the two machines. But lucky for you, this won’t be a problem you face.
Perfection HD is one of the most compatible kits in the market that can be installed in a number of large and small vehicles. Among the diesel engines that work perfectly with this brand is the Powerstroke 7.3. You will not only get better rotational power, but you will also get a much better torque.
Other exemplary features that impressed us were a much better heat dissipation than the unit produces. This not only allows your engine to produce a large amount of heat but ensures that the clutch is able to dissipate heat in the best possible way.
Bottom Line
A good clutch should always be able to transmit the engine's maximum torque to the wheels, and that is exactly what this model does. The company puts customers in high regard, which is why any requests you make for installation or replacements will be dealt with diligently.
At the end of the day, if you want to leave the factory leaving fully satisfied, then this is the option you need to consider.
Best for the Money:
EFT Clutch Kit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Any product that is specifically designed to meet the needs of the users is bound to be applauded by them. EFT comes with reliable components that are both reliable and trustworthy. But what buyers love the most about EFT is undoubtedly its customer service. The availability of technical support allows you to get your problems fixed in no time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
EFT has gone through a number of hurdles to become one of the industry’s most trusted companies for clutch purchase. The model is backed with a good warranty that ensures your clutch retains its smoothness and robustness for a long time.
But what really stood out to us was the efficient mechanism of EFT. This automotive clutch not only possesses a good rotational capacity but also tends to create a perfect connection between the engine and the wheels. This translates into a smooth ride that won’t experience any vibrations even on uneven roads. Moreover, the model also provides consistent results, even at varying speeds.
Bottom Line
In all, EFT is known for providing a smooth shift of gears to disengage and then re-engage the engine. This ensures a stable ride, and hence anyone looking to enhance their peace of mind during long travels might find this a good clutch replacement. It is also quite affordable, which is another relief for users.
4. South Bend Clutch SFDD3250-6
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users have finally found their miracle product in the shape of this South Bend clutch. The unit not only provides better rotational power but also allows for a much-balanced ride. Buyers have also complimented the relatively lower price of both the product and its installation. They love that they are able to save both time and money while choosing this model.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With so many great features, it is hard to state one that stands out to us. The model boasts damping the vibrations in your vehicle. This is ensured by its better torque that also allows for greater rotational power.
Not only that, but the unit is also equipped to reduce noise during transmission of power. The free pedal play tendency also reduces the clamping load on your vehicle and thus significantly reduces the wear and tear that your vehicle experiences. But most importantly, the clutch gives you more power over your engine and hence allows for a more stable ride.
Bottom Line
South Bend is hands down one of the most compact clutches available in the market. This ensures that the new unit only occupies a small amount in your engine. Not just that, the sleek design also means faster installation and removal process. So if comfort and ease are what you are looking for, then this is the product for you.
5. Valeo Clutch Kit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
It is often hard to please recent buyers, but Valeo has done this with ease. This is primarily because the company prioritizes the needs of its customers and ensures that each person gets a product that caters specifically to their needs. Moreover, buyers have also praised the high warranty of the model that further adds to the clutch’s appeal.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Valeo is one of the most sought-after clutch brands in the market, and that’s no surprise. The model has gone through advanced heat therapy to ensure the highest durability, but brand reputation still seems the best reason Valeo stands out.
Each new clutch comes with specially designed Valeo kits. These contain all the necessary equipment that you need for safe removal and installation of the clutch. These kits have also been customized to meet the needs of separate users. All additional components are also tested to ensure that their disabilities are high.
Moreover, each location of the company specializes in a different kind of design to ensure you only get the most suitable design for your vehicle.
Bottom Line
With its well-constructed kit, it’s no wonder that this model is considered as one of the best ones in the market. Not only has the unit gone through intense heat therapy, but all adjoining components have been heat-tested to ensure the best quality. So if you want to save a few bucks on installation, then this might be the model for you.
Pros and Cons of Replacing the Clutch on a 7.3 Powerstroke
A good quality clutch is essential to the safe and effective running of your vehicle, but even when your unit is not broken, it might be a good decision to replace your clutch anyway. This comes with a variety of benefits. But to ensure that you make an informed decision, we will also be highlighting the cons associated with such a choice.
Pros
Here are some advantages of replacing the clutch on your Powerstroke:
Durability
Lower quality clutches will break off easily and are more prone to wear and tear. Replacing such a clutch will ensure longevity and will provide your engine with more stability. Moreover, brands that offer durability also offer better warranties.
Torque Capability
The torque capability also increases when you replace your old clutch. The new model can smooth out the torque from your engine and hence ultimately reduce the judder. This is usually transmitted through the transmission of power from the engine to the wheels. A higher-quality clutch is therefore rated higher on torque capacity.
Smoother Drive
This is important for your peace of mind, and a good unit will ensure that your plates rotate at a thousand RPM. It also prevents the engine blocks from becoming loose. Moreover, since clutches offer better torque, they help in increasing the stability of your wheels.
Cons
Meanwhile, there are some limitations, which includes:
Price
The most obvious disadvantage of making such a choice is the cost. The price of a new unit may not be very high, but the total becomes really high when combined with the installation costs. Moreover, if you want to buy from a reputable brand, you will have to pay additional taxes.
How to Remove the Clutch From a 7.3 Powerstroke
Clutches are most deeply ingrained within your engine, and hence its removal is both time and energy-consuming. This is why it is advised that you seek professional help in the task. However, to ensure that you are ready for any emergencies, here is a brief overview of the steps needed for the safe removal of the clutch.
- The first step is to put your vehicle in a secure position. Then use a jack to raise the front end of the car.
- Remove the transaxle of the vehicle so you can get safely to the clutch. Make sure you unhook the clutch cable.
- Unbolt the engine mount and remove the bolts that are holding your engine mount.
- Now, remove the bolts surrounding the flywheel bell housing.
- Remove the clutch from that position and repair the flywheel. Unbolt the pressure plate so that the clutch comes out easily
- Next, remove any debris and dirt that you see. Also, make sure that the flywheel bolts are torqued to the proper specifications.
- The next step is to replace the damaged clutch using a pair of wrenches.
- Simply slide the new clutch disc in place and then position it with the specified alignment tools provided.
- Then, reinstall the transaxle by aligning it with the disc splined hole
- Finally, lower your vehicle using the jack.
If you are still unsure of the proper procedure, refer to the video below.
Conclusion
If you ever experience vibrations or sponginess when you press the pedal in your car, the chances are that you have a clutch problem. But that’s nothing to worry about because there are some excellent replacements for Powerstroke 7.3 available in the market.
One quick look at the review will enlighten you of all the wonderful choices that you have. All these models are durable and allow for superior rotational power tendency. You can compare things like the costs, compatibility, and warranties to see which unit suits you the most.
Related Buyer Guides
