Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 2001 Nv56oo Clutch Replacement

[DMillard]

I bought an 01, 1T dually 4x4 with 156,000 miles on it. Love the truck. Was wondering how to determine when it's time to change the clutch. My dad said he thought there was supposed to be more free play in the peddle. I read the Haynes manual and it says nothing about setting free play. The clutch seems to work OK but I have to push the peddle all the way down for a smoother gear ingagement. I've been pulling an 8700 lb. trailer up some 6% grades in the desert heat and haven't noticed any slipage but I'm worried the throwout bearing is not completely disengaging. Does anyone have any words of wisdom. I don't want to change out the clutch if it doesn't need it (A lot of work), but I certainly don't want to break down on the on the road.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Make sure the clutch master/slave cylinders are OK - if so, no provision is made to adjust the rod between the slave cylinder and throwout, but I'd look into fabricating a usable extension or longer replacement. If the clutch isn't slipping, seems a shame to swap in a new one - especially if the problem is actually the hydraulics...

 

[DMillard]

There are no leaks in the hydraulics. I'll take a look at the actuating rod and making up a longer one like you suggested to see what happens.

Thanks for the help.

I noticed your using the LUK Cerametalic clutch. Is it as good as the ads claim?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I'm happy with the Cerametallic so far - about 2000 miles on it, it is a very positive engagement as would be expected in a clutch of this type, but absolutely no complaints - the $400 or so I saved over the closest popular competitor was a BIG plus too!



I tow a 5th wheel trailer - no problems there either...

 

[DHawthorne]

My truck has 129K on it. The clutch has never had any free play at the pedal top. It appears to me the throwout bearing is engaged all the time. That may not be right, but it sure feels like it. I too thought I had a problem with it when I first got the truck having had other manual transmission vehicles in past.



One way to tell it disengages is to, out of gear, depress the clutch and old it for about 10 seconds. Let it out until you hear the engine pick up the transmission. The engine noise will change just for a second when it engages.



Thats the way my came from the factory.



Dave

 

[kscheffler]

Hawthrone

Off the subject but, what do you get for mileage with your hemi Durango. Considering for my wife... kts

 

[DHawthorne]

The HEMI Durango at 2500 miles is not doing real good for mileage. Best Hwy is 17. 5. Average round town is 11-13. I have not been on the road yet on a trip to really see. The dealer told me it would get better after 4000 miles. Most of the low mileage on mine is the 3:92 final ratio with the AWD. If it don't get better

later, I may consider changing out the final ratio gearing to 3:54 or higher. The Five Speed Auto holds rpm's around 2100 at 70mph and the mileage seems to get better around 75. (have a 4mph error in speedo)



We have the 27 gallon tank to go with the HD towing package.



Rides real good, and turns in a short radius. DVD and stereo systems is great. Seats are a little short under the leg compared to my truck. We wanted a V6 in the Limited, can't get?? Could not find a SLT with a V-6 either. Either 4. 7 or Hemi. Both had about the same mileage rating on the sticker.



If you need more info, drop me an e-mail.



Dave

 

[DMillard]

DHawthorne



I have noticed the change in engine sound when letting out the clutch while in nuetral. Apparently there are gears being driven even in nuetral. Still on the up part of the learning curve. This web sight sure is helpfull.

 

[DHawthorne]

I don't know if this is necessary to say this or not, but with a 6 speed transmission, the weight of the gears when the clutch engages is enough to make the engine slow just for a second when you release the clutch in nuetural. You can tell at want point in the travel of the pedal the clutch is engaged.



You might want to complete you signature so we can tell if you drive a slush box or a DEE.



Also with the clutch pedal depressed in nuetrual, nothing turns in the transmission unless the pressure plate is not totally disengaging and dragging on the clutch disc.



Dave

 

[DMillard]

I updated my signiture. I'm guessing a slush box is an automatic but what's a DEE?

 

[DHawthorne]

DEE is the code designation for a 6 speed transmission when you order the truck.



Dave

 

[DMillard]

Thanks Dave



There are a lot of terms, codes, abbreviations, etc. , that I'm still learning. I have no problem on the drag race webs.



My goal with this truck is good milage and long life so the upgrades I make will be in that area.



Thanks again Don