TR2/3/3A Clutch disc and Pressure plate differences?

[karls59tr]

I bought a TR3A clutch pressure plate off Ebay that physically looks my old one but it has 47346 in white lettering on the outer part. The old PP is marked 45481 on the inner rim. Another old PP that I have and know is from a TR3 is also marked 45481.
Also the P/N number on the three PP fingers(levers)are different than the P/N numbers on the fingers of the old PP.
Is it possible the pressure plate I got from Ebay is not for a TR3. They sure look the same. They are both Borg and Beck and it would seem that rebuilt units do not have the original part numbers in the same location.

 

[CJD]

Whether its a 3 or a 3A clutch, I bet they work the same. I think the significant change came later with the diaphragm spring. I've got old 2, 3, and 3A clutches...I can dig them out to check the part numbers if your interested.

 

[karls59tr]

Whether its a 3 or a 3A clutch, I bet they work the same. I think the significant change came later with the diaphragm spring. I've got old 2, 3, and 3A clutches...I can dig them out to check the part numbers if your interested.

Thanks but don't bother checking. I think your right about the major change being to the diaphragm spring type....the three lever type I bought should work.

 

[TR3driver]

That's true, for TR clutches. But, B&B made clutches for a whole lot of cars, and they don't necessarily look different. I'd want to investigate pretty carefully before installing a "wrong" clutch.

Although written for TR6 (with the later diaphragm clutch), this article mentions some of the difficulties that can ensue when using the wrong clutch "because it will fit".
https://vintagetriumphregister.org/maintain/clutch-laycock.pdf