G56 S.B. Clutch upgrade

[Big_Horn]

So it's time to upgrade/replace the stock clutch for my 06. Talked to a local shop and their recommendation is the S.B. G56OKHD. Installed my quote was $2200.
For a you south bend clutch owners... Is this a reasonable price for parts and labor? What is the shop time (hours) that the books recommends? I have added the edge juice with attitude and it sounds like the g56okhd will hold up. Should I look at a different one? I live in the seattle/Tacoma area. Where can I go for the best price?

 

[RVTRKN]

Big can of worms your opening up, what HP are you running and I assume your converting to a solid mass flywheel? I did the SMF with the dual disk clutch and it can be noisy, if I didn't have issues with surging when in regen, I would have elected to go with your choice. I had the trans inspected before it was reinstalled and was found to have browned bearings that were replaced, indicating it got hot. SBC is a good product that South Bend stands behind, and goes beyond the their warranty if something does go wrong.

On edit, that is a good price if it includes the SMF.

 

[EDankievitch]

I had done the Solid mass single disk Fe kit on my 05 with the slave cylinder kit. My only complaint was up here in the damp north east it would get very grabby to the point that you couldn't feather the engaugement it was ether all off or all on. when backing up a hill it would start to jump and buck. South Bend had told ne to stand on the break and slip the clutch to clean off the rust on the surfaces this would help but after a few days it would be back to the way it was. I do work on the water and the truck was always on the docks very damp I probably should have told them that when I was shopping for a clutch and they could have steered me toward a better choice for a clutch. That said dump that dual mass flywheel and go with a solid kit you'll be amazed how much smoother the engine will run.

 

[Regcabguy]

That's a decent price for a quality install including installation. SBC has a list of installer/distributers. The clutch is MAP priced basically,so I'd find an authorized installer off of SBC's list on the website. Let them provide the parts and the labor. Then your covered in the unlikely event of a screwup. It's a nice clutch.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I had done the Solid mass single disk Fe kit on my 05 with the slave cylinder kit. My only complaint was up here in the damp north east it would get very grabby to the point that you couldn't feather the engaugement it was ether all off or all on. when backing up a hill it would start to jump and buck. South Bend had told ne to stand on the break and slip the clutch to clean off the rust on the surfaces this would help but after a few days it would be back to the way it was. I do work on the water and the truck was always on the docks very damp I probably should have told them that when I was shopping for a clutch and they could have steered me toward a better choice for a clutch. That said dump that dual mass flywheel and go with a solid kit you'll be amazed how much smoother the engine will run.

Exact same issue I'm having. Unless SBC could promise me this problem has been resolved, I would never buy another clutch from them.

 

[RVTRKN]

Their grabby, but its the strength on the clutch disks is what I need. I don't want the clutch to slip while towing 23K up a 6% grade, if it goes into regen. My truck has a glitch when in regen after an update in 2009, it surges when I hit 2000 RPM while accelerating and the only way to stop it is to engage the clutch, but the engine will still rev up to 3200 RPM for a second or two. So I learned to just stay in gear and let it surge until it drops out. It has led to some weird circumstances with the strength of the DD3250 clutch. SBC is the only clutch I'll buy, but I'm sure there are other good brands, SBC stands behind thier product and there are many testimonials to back up that statement here in TDR alone.

 

[Killgore]

Big Horn, I have been running the G56-OKHD for somewhat over a year now. I hear the transmission growl as I creep through parking lots or take my time getting underway. She's telling me, "I'm ready to go"; just about like a horse taking the bit, and wanting to crow-hop. I think you'll be well satisfied as long as you don't exceed the rating.
- Ed

 

[Regcabguy]

Big Horn, I have been running the G56-OKHD for somewhat over a year now. I hear the transmission growl as I creep through parking lots or take my time getting underway. She's telling me, "I'm ready to go"; just about like a horse taking the bit, and wanting to crow-hop. I think you'll be well satisfied as long as you don't exceed the rating.
- Ed

My trans growls the same even with Delvac 50/Amsoil 5-30 synchromesh fluids. I prefer the shifting over the NV 5600,but sure wish we had an iron case.

 

[RVTRKN]

That is the reason I had my G56 inspected, they are noisy with the SMF. That being said there is a member here in TDR that have thousands of miles at 40k plus GCVW with several different versions (5.9, 6.7, AD, AE, 3:73, 4:10). He claims they all run noisy and run a mixture of oil which I'm currently running. The 1st day I drove mine with the SMF, I called him and he confirmed that is normal. With my new trans cooler setup, I think I'll run a thinner oil, Royal Purple Synthetic Synchromesh.

 

[Bob V]

Just a heads up on the RP syncromax, Its is the SAME viscosity as the ATF+4.
I had the same problems with my dual disk as others have posted. The clutch was SO unpredictable it was a pain to dive. I have however, just installed a newer SB dual disk on a friends truck. I was pleased to see each dusk has a organic and feramic side. Clutch was very quite and very smooth. I was happy to see that they have made the street dual disk smoother and easier to drive.

 

[RVTRKN]

I'm aware of the same viscosity but the oil is different and is designed to protect the synchronizers, and at a grand per syncro its important, ATF+4 is just automatic transmission fluid. After the transmission inspection and bearing replacements, I used the supposedly OEM oil recommended by Mercedes Benz, but I saw a lot of brass floating in the oil, so I changed it out with 50/50 (Mobil synthetic 50 / RP synchromesh) Now that I can cool the oil, Royal Purple will work great, of coarse time will tell.

 

[Big_Horn]

Awesome info fellas! Should I go with the G56OKHD (425hp) or the G56 OFEK (475hp) Only power adder is the Edge juice with attitude... I really don't want to spend all the money and then have the darn thing slip again. What are the differences in these two? will they feel different? I will be calling SB tomorrow and asking them what they think.

 

[n7gxz]

I just installed a G56OFEK in my 2011 over this past weekend. I can tell you that it is holding even towing 14K with a Smarty 67JR on #3. I have not heard any growling from the transmission, it is filled (+1 quart) with Redline MT-85.

Kevin

 

[Tuesdak]

Trans should go in and out for ~$850.00. (At least for the monster heavy NV5600 in my 2003 2WD.) What is the MRSP of the clutch as online places tend to discount that to the $800 range. Maybe new hydraulics add to the cost?
The G56OKHD will have a heaver clutch pedal as it takes more clamping force to hold the same TQ as a narrower lining would. I also notice a bit longer shifts from the heaver disc before the NV5600 of mine wants to drop in gear.

It is a smooth clutch.

Absolutely get it done at a SB shop because they know whet they are doing. Much as I would like to say it's just a simple clutch - it isn't and it's expensive to haul the trans out a 2nd time when the first shop refuses to warranty anything!

 

[Regcabguy]

The G-56 OKHD lists for $1285 and includes the HD hydraulics and flywheel. About the only discount you can get is free shipping.
It shares the 3250# pressure plate as the 3250# DD and does require more pedal pressure than stock.
The DTR lists it for slightly less but charges for shipping.

 

[Big_Horn]

Soooo..... I called South Bend Clutch today and gave them my truck spec. After a short disscusion, they recomended that I go with their Street Dual SDD 3250-GK. Its good for 650hp. They said I cant go wrong with this one, there was a risk with the single discs.

 

[RVTRKN]

Your going to need ear muffs. :-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf

 

[Regcabguy]

Did you speak to Peter personally?
A 3250 DD was suggested by an unidentified SBC guy,but when I spoke to Peter,different recommendation.

 

[Big_Horn]

I didn't catch the fellas name. Should have I talked specifically to Peter? But yes, it was someone from SBC.

 

[Regcabguy]

I didn't catch the fellas name. Should have I talked specifically to Peter? But yes, it was someone from SBC.

Yes,I'd ask for Peter himself. You'll get his voicemail and he'll get back shortly. It just might be that the DD is appropriate,but he's the guy to speak to.