Product Description
SOUTH BEND 1944-5OR 13" FULL HD PERFORMANCE ORGANIC CLUTCH KIT W/O FLYWHEEL
Street/tow reliability for your classic 7.3 Ford. The South Bend 1944-5OR is a 13" single-disc HD organic clutch engineered for early 7.3L applications with the ZF 5-speed. It delivers smooth engagement, excellent drivability, and proven holding power around the ~400 HP / ~800 ft-lbs range—ideal for work trucks and daily drivers running mild power enhancements.
- Rated Capacity: ~400 HP / ~800 ft-lbs (application dependent)
- Use Case: Daily, towing, light performance
- Disc: 13" full organic, sprung hub
- Pressure Plate: HD diaphragm for manageable pedal effort
- IMPORTANT: Will NOT work with OEM Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF). Requires a South Bend Solid Mass Flywheel (SMF).
FITMENT
- Make/Model: Ford F-250 / F-350
- Engines & Years:
- 1987–1994 7.3L IDI (non-turbo) – ZF 5-speed
- 1993–1994 7.3L IDI Turbo – ZF 5-speed
- 1994–1998 7.3L Power Stroke – ZF 5-speed (ZF5)
- Transmission: ZF 5-speed (ZF5)
- Flywheel Requirement: South Bend SMF (no OEM DMF)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- HD diaphragm pressure plate
- 13" full organic clutch disc (sprung)
- Pilot bushing/bearing, release (throwout) bearing
- Alignment tool and hardware as applicable
CROSS-REFERENCE / ALTERNATIVES
- Need heavier clamp & rating? Consider the 1944-5OR-HD variant (higher HP/torque & towing rating).
- Upgrading hydraulics on later 7.3 ZF transmissions: South Bend HYDX-F67.3 Hydraulic Assembly (’99–’03.5 7.3L).
INSTALL NOTES
- Confirm your truck has (or is converting to) a solid mass flywheel. This kit is not compatible with the OEM DMF.
- Inspect/refresh clutch hydraulics for best pedal feel and release, especially on older trucks.
- Follow South Bend break-in guidance to maximize service life and smoothness.
FAQ
Will this replace my factory dual mass flywheel setup?This clutch requires a solid mass flywheel. It will not work with the factory DMF. Use a South Bend SMF matched to your ZF5 application.
What power can it realistically handle on a work truck?
It’s commonly used around ~400 HP / ~800 ft-lbs for towing and daily driving with mild tuning or injectors. For more headroom, step up to the 1944-5OR-HD.
Does this fit my 1997 F-350 7.3 Power Stroke?
Yes, if you have the ZF 5-speed and a South Bend solid flywheel installed. It is not compatible with the OEM DMF.
Do I need to upgrade hydraulics?
Not strictly required, but older hydraulics can cause inconsistent release. On later 7.3 applications, consider the HYDX-F67.3 assembly.
