Early Bronco Clutch Kits & Flywheels

Early Bronco Clutch Kits Buyer’s Guide

Centerforce & LUK Clutches for 1966-77 Ford Bronco

Choosing the right Early Bronco clutch kit depends on how your 66-77 Ford Bronco is built and how you drive it. Whether you're running a stock 302 or a torque-heavy upgraded engine, selecting the proper clutch setup ensures smooth engagement, proper holding power, and long-term reliability.

At Wild Horses, we offer two proven clutch options for Early Broncos: Centerforce performance clutches and LUK replacement clutches. Both use modern diaphragm-style pressure plates for improved performance over the original factory designs.

Here’s how to decide which is right for your build.

Centerforce Performance Clutches

If your Bronco is running increased horsepower or added torque, a Centerforce Early Bronco clutch kit is a strong upgrade.

Centerforce clutches use a unique weighted system that applies centrifugal force to increase clamping load as RPM rises. As engine speed increases, additional holding power is applied automatically. This progressive design provides stronger engagement under load without dramatically increasing pedal effort.

Best for:

• Engine swaps

• Performance builds

• Increased torque applications

• Broncos that see heavy use or aggressive driving

The result is improved holding capacity without sacrificing street drivability.

LUK Early Bronco Clutch Kits

For stock or mildly upgraded engines, LUK Early Bronco clutch kits are a dependable and smooth-operating solution.

LUK is known for OEM-level quality, consistent engagement, and long-term reliability. These kits are ideal for restorations and daily-driven Broncos that don’t require performance-level holding power.

We offer two LUK clutch kit options:

• Basic Kit – Includes pressure plate, clutch disc, pilot bushing, and throwout bearing

• Deluxe Kit – Includes everything in the basic kit plus a pilot bearing and pressure plate bolts

If you’re replacing a worn factory clutch in a stock 66-77 Ford Bronco, LUK is a solid choice.

Why Upgrading to a Diaphragm Style Pressure Plate Matters

Both Centerforce and LUK 66-77 Ford Bronco clutch kits use diaphragm-style pressure plates, which are superior to the original three-finger lever design found in many early setups.

Diaphragm clutches offer:

• Fewer moving parts

• Lighter overall weight

• Reduced wear

• Lighter pedal effort

• Smoother engagement

The 18-finger diaphragm design distributes plate load more evenly as the clutch disc wears. This results in more consistent engagement over time and helps reduce clutch chatter and noise — a common concern in short wheelbase Broncos.

Do I need a new Flywheel when upgrading my Early Bronco Clutch Kit?

Short answer — we strongly recommend it. While some clutch kits allow reuse of your existing flywheel, installing a new flywheel with your 66-77 Ford Bronco clutch kit ensures proper friction surface, consistent engagement, and long-term performance. Over time, factory flywheels can develop heat spots, warping, or surface wear that reduces clutch holding power and can lead to chatter or premature clutch failure.

Choosing the Right Early Bronco Clutch Kit

When selecting your clutch kit, consider:

• Engine output and torque level

• Intended use (daily driver vs performance build)

• Desired pedal feel

• Budget

For stock engines and smooth street driving, LUK is an excellent replacement option.
For upgraded engines or higher torque builds, Centerforce provides additional holding capacity without excessive pedal effort.

The right Early Bronco clutch kit keeps your 1966-77 Ford Bronco shifting smoothly and handling torque confidently. Whether you choose Centerforce performance or LUK reliability, both options offer modern diaphragm-style performance over outdated factory designs.

If you're unsure which clutch kit fits your build, the Wild Horses team can help you select the correct setup for your engine and driving style.