I just replaced the clutch assembly in my girls '99 Sonoma. 4.3L 5speed, 4X4. I used an aftermarket clutch (NAPA)and the pedal seems rather stiff so I've ordered an OEM clutch assembly.
I always thought that the clutch should be fairly easy to disengage but this one feels stiffer than my '85 Blazer which has 3/4 ton runnung gear.

Just looking for feedback....thanks, Rob.

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You cannot really compare different vehicles like that. I hace had 4 cyl puddle jumpers that pushed hard, and then jumped into my S-10 and it felt like my clutch was gone, because I was used to pushing the heavy clutch, but then jumped into a 3/4 ton pickup, and that pushed even easier than my S-10. The clutch that you got from NAPA if it was a new clutch pack, is most likly the same brand clutch that you would get from the OEM assy that you have ordered. There are only a few stock type clutch manufacturers out there. I have pulled clutch packs out of a NAPA boxes that were marked the same exact way as the stock clutch I was replacing. HTH

 

Well I was actually comparing the clutch in the Sonoma to an "S" series Blazer, except I forgot to put that in my OP.
I did say that it was stiffer than in my 3/4 ton....sorry for the confusion.
NAPA told me not to worry and that the clutch needed to wear in.
I'm putting in a GM clutch this week anyway as this one is way to stiff.

 

Good luck there, just compare the clutches when you get them all together. I bet you will probably find they are all made from the same company.

 

The NAPA clutch is out and the OEM clutch is in and I'm very pleased with the difference. The pedal is much easier to push now.

 

I have never been impressed with NAPA clutches... They often are quite stiff. If I'm replacing a clutch, I always suggest a centerforce clutch. They have weights that use centrifugal force to increase the clamping force on the clutch disks as engine RPM increases. This reduces pedal effort as the initial hold doesn't have to be as strong as the other finger type clutches do.

 

That's funny, I was originally going to go with a centerforce clutch, thinking that it would be a long lasting unit with less slippage on engagement. I was concerned that it may require more pedal effort, so I went with NAPA.
4X4 clutch jobs are not something you wanna have to do twice in a week!

Thanks for the feedback.
Rob.

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Definitely not something you'll want to do multiple times in a row... But I bet you're good at it now!!