72,500 miles stock clutch and TOB?

[StangDriver5650]

I have 72,500 miles and still on the stock clutch assembly including the TOB. However, a little over a year ago my TOB started rattling a good bit for a few months then it just stopped. It hasn't rattled since. I was wondering if I caused any damage by continuing to drive with it rattling and never replacing it? I haven't damaged anything from what I can tell but I'm just curious. And if the clutch feels soft but still seems to grab fine (4th gear, 2k rpms and romp it test) should I just keep driving until it starts slipping? I've driven the piss out of the car since I've had it and am pretty suprised that the clutch is still there. There IS some slack in the pedal though that can't be self adjusted anymore.

 

[2002BLGT]

I have 72,500 miles and still on the stock clutch assembly including the TOB. However, a little over a year ago my TOB started rattling a good bit for a few months then it just stopped. It hasn't rattled since. I was wondering if I caused any damage by continuing to drive with it rattling and never replacing it? I haven't damaged anything from what I can tell but I'm just curious. And if the clutch feels soft but still seems to grab fine (4th gear, 2k rpms and romp it test) should I just keep driving until it starts slipping? I've driven the piss out of the car since I've had it and am pretty suprised that the clutch is still there. There IS some slack in the pedal though that can't be self adjusted anymore.

with that many miles REPLACE IT ..................IMO

 

[DerekStangGT]

our motto in my automotive program-"if it ain't broke, dont fix it" i would wait until it goes before you replace it. im surprised its lasted that long in the first place. of course, you can replace it if you happen to have an extra $950 bucks lying around (which is what i paid for a new clutch and all the works, see sig) but IMHO, i would push that thing till it croaks. my clutch blew, but i was still able to drive it to the shop with the slipping clutch. just my .02

 

[Darkhorse845]

Yes it just gives you a reason to upgrade your clutch when your
stock clutch is slowly making it's way to biting the dust.
A Centerforce DF clutch but,be an idea.

 

[Joes95GT]

My throw-out bearing got to be so bad from squealing that it tore up the front bearing retainer a little bit. It's no big deal considering it's only a few bucks and it probably should be replaced anyhow.

If the clutch isn't slipping, don't worry about it. My Dad has been a Ford mechanic for 20-some years and has seen stock 5.0's go on the stock clutch for 150k+ miles. If you aren't putting out a lot of power and don't burn the clutch up all the time (I.E. burnouts, slip the clutch, etc) the clutch should last.

Joe

 

[Jackie Chan]

My throw-out bearing got to be so bad from squealing that it tore up the front bearing retainer a little bit. It's no big deal considering it's only a few bucks and it probably should be replaced anyhow.

If the clutch isn't slipping, don't worry about it. My Dad has been a Ford mechanic for 20-some years and has seen stock 5.0's go on the stock clutch for 150k+ miles. If you aren't putting out a lot of power and don't burn the clutch up all the time (I.E. burnouts, slip the clutch, etc) the clutch should last.

Joe

<38k still on stocker 200+ slick launches