Tag throw-out bearing

Finding the right hydraulic slave cylinder and throw-out bearing for your NP435 transmission can be a bit of a hunt, but I’ve got some pointers to help you out.

Understanding the NP435

The NP435 is a tough, four-speed manual transmission found in many Ford trucks from the 1960s to 1990s. In a Bullnose Ford (1980–1986), it’s more likely to be paired with a mechanical linkage rather than a hydraulic one. However, if you’re looking to retrofit a hydraulic system, you’ve got options.

Retrofit Kits

1. Hydraulic Clutch Conversions Kits:

   • Companies like American Powertrain and Modern Driveline offer hydraulic clutch conversion kits that might suit your needs. These kits generally include a master cylinder, slave cylinder, and necessary linkages or lines.

2. Universal Hydraulic Slave Cylinders:

   • You can also look into universal hydraulic slave cylinders. These require some customization for mounting and connection to your clutch fork, but they offer flexibility.

Finding the Parts

1. OEM Parts:

   • If your truck originally came with a hydraulic system (rare for Bullnose trucks with the NP435), check classic Ford parts suppliers or even salvage yards specializing in vintage parts.

2. Aftermarket Options:

   • Look into aftermarket suppliers like Summit Racing, RockAuto, or LMC Truck. They might not have a direct bolt-on kit for the NP435 in a Bullnose, but they can provide components you can adapt.

3. Fabrication:

   • Sometimes, a bit of custom fabrication is needed to get everything lined up correctly. If you’re not comfortable with this, a local machine shop or mechanic with experience in classic Ford trucks might be able to help.

Tips and Considerations

• Pedal Assembly: Ensure your pedal assembly is compatible with a hydraulic setup. Some fabrication or swapping might be necessary.
• Bleeding the System: Properly bleeding the hydraulic system is crucial. Any air in the lines can lead to a spongy pedal feel.
• Compatibility: Double-check the fit and compatibility of all components with your specific truck model and year to avoid headaches down the road.

For more detailed guidance, there might be relevant videos on the Bullnose Garage YouTube channel that can walk you through parts of this conversion. And if you’re into community support, the Bullnose Ford subreddit could also be a good place to ask for advice from fellow enthusiasts. Good luck with your project!