How much does it cost to replace a clutch in a 1987 Ford F150?
Typical cost: about $800 to $1,600 for a standard clutch replacement on a 1987 Ford F-150, with higher totals if flywheel work, premium parts, or difficult access are needed.
What affects the price
The price tag for a clutch replacement on a vintage Ford pickup is driven by several core factors, including labor time, parts quality, and any additional services required. The following list highlights the most impactful items.
- Labor time and rate: The bulk of the bill comes from removing and reinstalling the transmission and aligning the clutch; hours can vary from roughly 6 to 12, and shops charge hourly rates that differ by region.
- Clutch kit contents: A standard kit includes the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing; some jobs also include a pilot bearing and an input shaft seal.
- Flywheel condition: If the flywheel needs resurfacing or replacement, add cost; resurfacing is cheaper, while a new flywheel adds material cost and may necessitate a new pilot bearing.
- Hydraulic vs mechanical linkage: Some 1987 F-150 models use a hydraulic clutch (master/slave cylinder); others use a mechanical/cable setup, which affects both parts and labor requirements.
- Additional components and services: Replacement of hydraulic lines, master/slave cylinders, or related seals, plus brake/fluids checks, can add to parts and labor.
Understanding these variables helps you estimate the likely range and prepare a quote.
Typical price ranges and what's included
Prices you’re likely to encounter reflect a blend of parts, labor, and any flywheel work. The figures below assume a standard clutch kit and typical drivetrain access on a 1987 Ford F-150; regional differences can shift these numbers.
- Parts costs: A clutch kit generally runs about $100–$300; pilot bearing and throw-out bearing add roughly $10–$60; hydraulic components or a flywheel may bring parts to about $200–$600 total.
- Labor costs: Labor is the major driver—roughly 6–12 hours at $75–$125 per hour, varying by region and shop, which totals about $450–$1,500.
- Total typical range: In most cases, a complete clutch replacement falls in the $800–$2,000 range, with many jobs landing around $1,000–$1,600.
When flywheel work, premium parts, or unusually difficult transmission access are involved, prices can exceed the typical range.
DIY vs professional service
If you have the tools, space, and mechanical know-how, a DIY approach can reduce overall costs by saving on labor. Parts alone for a basic clutch kit and bearings typically run about $120–$350, with extra for a flywheel job. Professional shops, however, provide expertise, warranties, and precise alignment, which often results in a total in the $1,000–$1,700 range or higher, depending on location and parts chosen.
Before committing to any quote, ask whether the price includes flywheel resurfacing or replacement, pilot bearing, hydraulic line work, and a road-test or alignment check.
Summary
Replacing the clutch on a 1987 Ford F-150 is a substantial job whose cost hinges on labor rates, parts selected, and whether flywheel work is needed. Expect a typical total in the ballpark of $1,000 to $1,600 for a standard kit replacement with basic flywheel service; more for serious wear, heavy-duty parts, or difficult access. Planning ahead, collecting multiple quotes, and clarifying exactly what each quote covers will help you avoid surprises and ensure the repair is done correctly.
