South Bend Clutch Single Disc Organic Clutch Kit for ZF5 5-Speed 1994-1998 Ford F-250 / F-350 / F-450 / F-550 with 7.3L Power Stroke

South Bend Clutch Single Disc Organic Clutch Kit for ZF5 5-Speed 1994-1998 Ford F-250 / F-350 / F-450 / F-550 with 7.3L Power Stroke

SKU: 1944-5K

The South Bend 1944-5K is a organic single disc clutch kit built specifically for 1994-1998 Ford F-250 / F-350 / F-450 / F-550 trucks running the 7.3L Power Stroke engine paired with the ZF5 5-Speed manual transmission. This is one of the most critical fitment details on these trucks - the same year and engine combination was offered with multiple transmissions, so always confirm your transmission code before ordering.

The organic friction lining gives you smooth, street-friendly engagement and excellent heat resistance for towing and daily driving. The sprung hub design absorbs drivetrain shock at engagement and protects your transmission and driveline from harsh take-offs.

Fitment & Specifications

Application & Transmission Fitment - Read Before Ordering

Ford ZF5 5-Speed fitment notes:

• 1987-1994: 7.3L IDI (Non-Turbo and Turbo) behind the ZF5
• 1994.5-1998: 7.3L Power Stroke (OBS) behind the ZF5

If your 1999+ truck has a 7.3L Power Stroke, you have the ZF6 6-Speed and need the 1944-6 series kit instead.

What's In The Box

• Single Mass Flywheel
• Clutch Disc
• Pressure Plate
• Throwout Bearing
• Pilot Bearing
• and Alignment Tool [BlackCloudDiesel](https://blackclouddiesel.com/ford-425hp-clutch-with-solid-mass-flywheel-1944-5okhd-south-bend-clutch-5sp-7-3l-ford-powerstroke-1994-5-98/)

Important Notes

This kit is a Solid Mass Flywheel (SMF) conversion for the original Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF). Specifically for the ZF5 transmission. [East Coast Diesel](https://ecddiesel.com/94-98-ford-7-3l-zf5-5-speed-transmission-to-cummins-engine.html)

Common Symptoms Of A Failing Clutch

• Engine RPM rises without matching vehicle speed (slipping under load or while towing).
• Difficulty engaging gears - especially 1st or reverse - or grinding when shifting.
• Clutch pedal engagement point creeping very high or very low over time.
• Shudder or chatter when taking off from a stop, especially under load.
• Burning clutch smell after hills, heavy towing, or hard acceleration.

If you are seeing any of these symptoms, replace the clutch before further transmission or driveline damage occurs.

Warranty

1-year / 12,000 mile [South Bend Clutch](https://southbendclutch.com/products/sbc-clutch-kit-for-1994-1998-ford-f-250-7-3l-diesel-fits-other-vehicles) from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. Applies to the original purchaser only. Proper installation, break-in, and flywheel resurfacing (when reusing a flywheel) are required for warranty validity. For exact terms refer to South Bend Clutch's current warranty policy at time of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What trucks does the 1944-5K fit?
A: This kit is designed for 1994-1998 Ford F-250 / F-350 / F-450 / F-550 with the 7.3L Power Stroke engine and ZF5 5-Speed manual transmission. See the application notes above if your year/engine combination came with more than one transmission.

Q: How much power and towing can it handle?
A: South Bend rates this kit for approximately Stock / ~330 hp [CNC Fabrication](https://cncfab.us/collections/manual-transmission-parts) [SBC Retail Catalog](https://www.southbendclutch.com/files/pages/0361-SBC_RETAIL_CATALOG_US_01_01_2022.xlsx), Stock / ~700-800 ft-lbs [SBC Retail Catalog](https://www.southbendclutch.com/files/pages/0361-SBC_RETAIL_CATALOG_US_01_01_2022.xlsx). Real-world capacity depends on driving style, tune, and supporting modifications.

Q: Do I need to buy a flywheel separately?
A: No - this kit includes a brand-new South Bend solid-mass flywheel sized and machined for this clutch.

Q: Is this clutch OK for daily driving?
A: Yes - the disc material and pressure plate are tuned for street-friendly engagement and reasonable pedal effort. Aggressive race-style clutches usually carry the ceramic or full-face puck designation; this kit is built for daily use, towing, and mild performance.

Q: What is the recommended break-in period?
A: South Bend typically recommends 500-1,000 miles of easy, mixed driving with no hard launches or heavy towing so the friction surfaces properly seat. Skipping the break-in can void your warranty.

Q: Do I need anything else to install it?
A: We strongly recommend inspecting and replacing the hydraulic master and slave cylinders, pilot bearing, and checking the throwout bearing fork at the same time. Always use the alignment tool included in the kit. If you are reusing a flywheel, it must be properly resurfaced.

Why Buy From NorCal Diesel Performance

• Authorized South Bend Clutch dealer with real diesel techs on staff.
• We own and operate a working diesel repair shop - we install these parts ourselves.
• Free fitment confirmation - call or email us with your VIN and trans code if you are unsure.
• Fast shipping from multiple US warehouses.