Clutch and Trans Repair/Replacement

[aviatorman]

02 2500 - H. O. with 130K on the clock, 60K towing a 13K toyhauler. I'm thinking that it's time to replace the clutch/throwout and pilot bearing. Do I need to change the flywheel also? I've heard that Dodge recommends no machining on the stock flywheel. Since the stock clutch lasted this long, I'm inclined to stay stock OEM, but many say that the Southbend clutch is a great alternate, if not superior. I have no problems with the NV5600, but I gotta believe that with the towing miles (heavy) theres got to be some issues needing attention. I've run Amsoil in the box with a filter since it was new, but I'm not dumb enough to think that anything lasts forever. I've heard good things about Standard Transmissions work and would like to know what ya'll think about the above issues. :-{}:-{}

 

[AH64ID]

I am replacing the clutch on my NV5600 next week. I am going with a Southbend Con-OFE, rated up to 450 hp.

If your stock, and plant to stay that way, I would run the Southbend Con-O, rated up to 350.

I am not planning on replacing my flywheel, but will look at it when it comes out. Just depends on what shape it is in.

Flywheel machining is not recommended. The flywheel clutch surface is machined to a unique contour and machining
will negate this feature. Minor flywheel scoring can be cleaned up by hand with 180 grit emery or with surface
grinding equipment. Remove only enough material to reduce scoring (approximately 0. 001 - 0. 003 in. ). Heavy stock
removal is not recommended. Replace the flywheel if scoring is severe and deeper than 0. 076 mm (0. 003 in. ).
Excessive stock removal can result in flywheel cracking or warpage after installation; it can also weaken the flywheel
and interfere with proper clutch release

 

[GCroyle]

Flywheel machining is not recommended. The flywheel clutch surface is machined to a unique contour and machining

will negate this feature. Minor flywheel scoring can be cleaned up by hand with 180 grit emery or with surface

grinding equipment. Remove only enough material to reduce scoring (approximately 0. 001 - 0. 003 in. ). Heavy stock

removal is not recommended. Replace the flywheel if scoring is severe and deeper than 0. 076 mm (0. 003 in. ).

Excessive stock removal can result in flywheel cracking or warpage after installation; it can also weaken the flywheel

and interfere with proper clutch release

Agreed, I have read this also, but IMHO this quote has caused as much confusion as fact. Reason, the manual covers ALL pickup engines 6, 8 and 10 cyl. gas and our diesels. Gas F/W's I believe are Dodge design and production = special contour (slightly concave), Cummins makes the Cummins F/W. I don't think you are going to see the special contour as described in the book in the Cummins F/W. We have seen more hot spot related issues in the diesel F/W, it makes a doozie of a hot spot that usually does not get ground out all the way.



Others will offer their . 02$ I'm sure.

 

[jhenderson]

I had a machine shop I trust grind mine 50,000 miles ago and have had no problem. I now have over 250,000 miles on the truck.

 

[Slow Six]

I went South Bend Con OFE and for very little extra I got their flywheel and hydraulics.

 

[AH64ID]

Agreed, I have read this also, but IMHO this quote has caused as much confusion as fact. Reason, the manual covers ALL pickup engines 6, 8 and 10 cyl. gas and our diesels. Gas F/W's I believe are Dodge design and production = special contour (slightly concave), Cummins makes the Cummins F/W. I don't think you are going to see the special contour as described in the book in the Cummins F/W. We have seen more hot spot related issues in the diesel F/W, it makes a doozie of a hot spot that usually does not get ground out all the way.



Others will offer their . 02$ I'm sure.

I see where that comes from, but the diesel is specified different every it is, and in this case the next paragraph is about the G56 DMF, and the next about the SRT-10. . So it's easy to see where the OEM diesel flywheel is in the same boat.



Does the Cummins use a Cummins part? I would have assumed, I know I know, that it's Dodge/NV design.

 

[GCroyle]

I see where that comes from, but the diesel is specified different every it is, and in this case the next paragraph is about the G56 DMF, and the next about the SRT-10. . So it's easy to see where the OEM diesel flywheel is in the same boat.



Does the Cummins use a Cummins part? I would have assumed, I know I know, that it's Dodge/NV design.

I think you'll find Cummins numbers on F/W's thru NV5600, the G56 DMF went to LuK, new chapter. Guess I should have referenced a FSM edition, but the versions I've had were pre G56.