I have to replace the clutch slave cylinder on my 88 vett with a 4+3 transmission due do a leak. I have a couple of questions about replacing it. I will also replace the clutch master cylinder.
1. I have been looking at the doorman and the one from NAPA as the replacement. I would like to know out of all the brands which one seems to last the longest.
2. Do the replacement cylinders come with rod (rod to fork) or do you just reuse the old one.
3. What brand of fluid are you guys using. The SM says to use GM brand.
4. When bleeding the new cylinder does it require 2 people or can 1 person do it by them self.
5. I have read that some of the new cylinders (clutch and master) have different threads and the OEM hyd hose has want work. Is this true?

 

I replaced my slave cylinder last summer. I ordered one from the local parts store (I'm in Canada) and it was no problem to install. LUK brand, model LSC113, (Schaeffler Group USA). It's been in 8 months and no problems at all with it.
There is a rod between the cylinder and the pivot arm. It is tapered and you'll need to watch which way it goes in, while you're taking it out.
Because my car is an 85, I was able to replace all the brake fluid and clutch fluid with DOT5 Silicone. Because it's silicone, it doesn't attract water like the normal stuff does. You could put this into your clutch cylinder but not into your brake system, because you have the ABS system, and the silicone fluid foams with ABS.
I bled my slave cylinder using a vacuum pump system, but it was still a bit soft when I was done. At the end of that, here's a trick to try:
Pump up the clutch pedal about 10 times and hold it down for about 30 seconds. Slide your foot off the clutch pedal sideways, and allow it to spring up into its normal position. Do this a few times and you'll feel the pedal becoming stiffer. Do this a few more times while in neutral, while you drive it and you'll feel a good difference.
This is not a difficult job and you should have no problems at all doing this. Have fun!