Topic: Napa Clutches: Good or Bad?

[46&2]

So I am going to be swapping a new clutch in my 4runner along with a new transmission. Being in a hurry, I just went and bought a Napa clutch kit. Searching around I seem to find 50/50 opinions on these, people either seem to love them or hate them. So for those of you who have run Napa clutches, what is your experience? Good or bad?

I am currently running a Centerforce Dual Friction, which for the record I have LOVED and beat on for the last 4 years without any problems. I know this (Napa) is definitely a step down, and ideally I would like to get the HD Marlin clutch, but at this immediate point in time, I couldn't afford the extra $100. Depending on the responses I get with this post, I might just take the Napa back and wait to get a Marlin clutch.

Thanks for your input.

[NorCalToy]

if you can afford to wait you might as well just wait and get an MC clutch, the NAPA clutch wont be worth much when you decide to swap it out fro an MC and then its another couple hundred bucks extra youll end up having to spend...

but, i have no experience with napa clutches. is it napa brand or just from napa?

[46&2 [OP]]

if you can afford to wait you might as well just wait and get an MC clutch, the NAPA clutch wont be worth much when you decide to swap it out fro an MC and then its another couple hundred bucks extra youll end up having to spend...

but, i have no experience with napa clutches. is it napa brand or just from napa?

Its the Napa brand clutch. If I can get my parents to loan me a vehicle until I get my Supra I will hold off for the Marlin most likely. I was just curious to see some feed back on Napa brand clutches.

[kneedownnate]

Whether it's true or not, I seem to remember hearing that napa clutches were re-labeled LUK clutches 

[Joey88RUNR]

I Put a napa clutch in mine, seems ok so far, been about 25k I have 33's with 410s and on highway inclines i can smell  clutch burning, Not slipping but burning, i think it becuase the 33"s but other than that its fine, I wish myself now i would have bought the marlin clutch, but i also was in a bind and its my DD

[crawlerdan]

I have one in the runner, it works good, not the best but worth the money. it meets teh need.

[twistedtoy92]

i had one bad Napa clutch a few years back... dropped it in my dads 82 2wd and within 3 days the floppin' thing wouldnt hardly go down the road without slipping !! My dad knows how to drive a clutch too, he's been a heavy equipment operator and truck driver for over 35 years.  We pulled it out and one side of the clutch disc was totally GONE! Master cylinder was good and so was the slave! Obviously a poorly manufactured clutch andNapa wouldnt refund so we dropped the ORIGINAL clutch back in and finally just put a SECO in it here last fall....... Havent got to drive it yet though.

I'd go with the Marlin clutch for sure, especially pushin big rubbers. 

[79coyotefrg]

Napa has a good clutch but its just a stock clutch,  with big tires  it wont last long

[Rockcrawlintoy]

Whether it's true or not, I seem to remember hearing that napa clutches were re-labeled LUK clutches 

if it is it should last pretty well. i have a LUK in my truck with a ton of miles with big tires and a lot of wheelin

[Tallchevy]

I have one in my 87 4Runner that I installed 3 years ago. I was running 32 with 4.10 for the first 6 months, then went 5.29 & 35's. It's my daily driver. Been to the Rubicon twice, Hollister + other wheeling. I have had my 4Runner loaded down with stuff & towed with it. I've never had a problem with it. I would buy another one if this one ever goes out 

[TIMS89CRAWLER]

I had good luck with the one I put in my old yota.... I have good luck with anything I get from napa....

[Duffil]

depending on which brand you get sold, they are OE quality.

[twistedtoy92]

only had that one bad experience with a Napa clutch.... and that was a good 6 years ago!
My advice...... get what you want..... trial and error! Its all on how/what/where you drive but sometimes you get bunk parts..... just the name of the game.

[kneedownnate]

I have a sachs I got for less than $100, checked it after about 130,000 miles or so and it actually still had lots of meat on it.  It's held up well to full throttle dropped clutch starts too 

[Joey88RUNR]

I think i paid around 100 for my napa clutch.

[46&2 [OP]]

I think i paid around 100 for my napa clutch.

Yeah it was 97 bucks out the door

[All_Set]

What are you geared down too?  If not low enough, you'll probably burn out a stock clutch. (moresoinrocks)

How much HP is your motor pushing?  If much more than stock, stock clutch probably won't be enough.

If 37" MTRs are considered *big* tires, my Napa clutch has had no issues with a stock motor and 223:1 gearing.    Been 2 years so far with 37", 5+ years with clutch in the truck.

[46&2 [OP]]

My rig has 5.29s, duals (2.28/4.7) and im running a DOA 22RE thats pushing a little more HP than stock. The Dual Friction I have had the last 4 years was an awesome clutch, I would get another one if they weren't so damn expensive.