Seeking input on a Beck Arnley clutch kit

[4wdchico]

I have a NOS Beck Arnley clutch kit that came in my '84 parts car. The receipt in the box dates from 2004. Checked the parts # and it is the same # as my '85 t4wd. Anyone have long term experience with one of these B/A clutch kits? By and large B/A has very good parts for foreign cars but since I have heard such great long life stories about OE 'yota clutch parts I'm pondering just ordering up the parts from Butler Toyota. Suppose I can use the clutch alignment tool in the B/A kit.

I'm firmly in the do it once and do it really right program when it comes to this clutch job. I'm even considering having the tranny gone thru at the same time while the syncros and other parts are still available.

[teranfirbt]

From what my friend's dad can tell (Toyota master tech for 35+ years), the Beck Arnley stuff is just OEM stuff in a different box. I've had one on the 2RZ in my Celica for a couple years with no issues or complaints.

[skyerunner]

I just had autozone put a Duralast clutch kit on hold for me (~$100). Should I try to track down a BA or Toy clutch instead?

[4wdchico]

From what my friend's dad can tell (Toyota master tech for 35+ years), the Beck Arnley stuff is just OEM stuff in a different box.

I have heard reports to that effect before. Thanks for the info.

[splatterdog]

I got a "closeout" b/a clutch kit dirt cheap from rockauto. The disc was UK, bearings Jap, pressure plate Thaiwan. Don't know if the non closeout ones are better sourced.

Only have about 10k on it, so too early to tell. I did get it hot enough to smell, mudding this summer. I guess I just refused to accept that I finally got one stuck.

[Petros]

Many after market suppliers use the same supplier as the manufacturer, the way to know is remove your clutch and look at the manufacturers markings (usually just a logo) and see if they are the same as the B/A.

Beck Arnley quality has gone down hill in recent years, they have switched suppliers trying to reduce costs. about 2 years ago I got a set of rings from B/A, and there were three different sizes in one box, we order another set and it was the same thing. Autozone replaced the set with one from another brand, and the clerk told me that has been happening a lot recently and he hoped AZ was going to drop B/A as a supplier.

Your clutch is old enough it might be a good one, I would use it. Or if you are concerned, just order a factory friction disk (the most vulnerable part), and use the B/A pressure plate (unless it is the same as the factory parts of course). I would not use any aftermarket pilot bearing, the factory ones last way longer than the other brands, and they are not too expensive. T/O bearings are the same issue, a good one is fine, but the cheap ones will not last as long as the clutch.

Good luck.