All high HP/torque South Bend clutch owners, please respond

[Bart Timothy]

If you're looking to "replace your clutch just once" don't forget to look at Joe Donnelly modified Sachs. It has almost twice the friction area of South Bend's and is avialble with different linings and spring pressures.

 

[TomGolden]

Howdy all,

As you may have seen my recent post asking where to buy the McLeod dual disc clutch, I am in the market for a new clutch. Blair Pine [Bpine] has suggested I check with Peter @ South Bend Clutch, and I remember from a very recent TDR thread, that South Bend now offers a high HP/torque clutch for the ETH Cummins.

I only want to replace my clutch once, and do it, and all my BOMBs right the first time and hopefully not regret hacing done any of them half-way. I am well aware of the several complaints about the McLeod dual disc clutch, and one member emailed me to say he has thought of replacing his McLeod with the new South Bend. So, I wanted to ask all of you with serious HP trucks that have the South Bend clutch to give me your feelings and experiences.

You can see what BOMBs I have now in my sig. Will get an HX40 later this year, and some type of "hot" fueling/timing/boost box, and eventually when the lift pump/fuel line upgrades are finally worked out, that too will go on my truck. I won't be doing sled pulling, or much if any drag racing, but I want to be as certain as possible that whatever clutch I go with will never fail me. I will likely tow very infrequently, and then, not likely more than 10,000 pounds. Mostly the truck is going to be my hot rod toy, like HVAC's Red Rocket #ad


I am not set on a particular HP number, but I'm sure it will be between 400 - 500 HP. I will be calling Peter @ South Bend Clutch to talk with him, but it also helps to hear actual comments from those who have the same product in their trucks and have used/abused it.

Many thanks to all!

Tom

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Tom Golden
Godzilla: Patriot Blue 2001 2500 SLT QC 4X4 LWB ETH/DEE, Tow & Camper packages, 3. 54 Ltd. Slip, 4 wheel disc ABS, Isspro EGT/boost gauges, DD Stage 3 afterburners , boost module, 4" Jardine exhaust, Amsoil, Psychotty air, black SmittyBilt nerf bars, no silencer ring, Armacoating bed liner, TDR decal, Jack holiday antenna ball

NRA Life/CRPA/El Dorado #26 F. &A. M. of California

 

[drawson]

I have there HP clutch for the 5 speed and am very happy with it. It seems to have broke in and doesn't chatter as bad as it did when new starting off in 2nd. It is smooth in reverse and 1st. And it doesn't slip at all even launching the truck at 2500+ in 3rd.

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EAT'M UP
97 2500 Club 4X4 3. 54, Forrest Green/Driftwood, LSD 5 speed, & Psychotty Air System, TST #11, 370 HP injectors, timing at 16 deg. , 16CM2 housing, AFC spring kit, TST EGT gauge & 0-60 boost gauge in A Pillar, Cat-be-gone, 4" Dynomax Bullet muffler, Crome 4" turn down, 2 Electric Fans, One inside/ One out front, AmsOil Through out, Geno's trans filter kit, AmsOil Bypass system, Lund Winter front, Leer Cab Level Shell Driftwood , 255/85R16, South Bend's Hypo Clutch*NRA/USPSA member and proud of it*

 

[CUMINNTSTRKN]

i like my feramic clutch from southbend. it chatters a little when starting out in 2nd at idle. if i launch the truck real hard it will slip a little. the nicest thing about the southbend is the warranty,12 month plus $400 for labor. now a company that will stand behind there product like that will get my business everytime. my clutch is just breaking in and it seems to be getting better.

jim

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if it ain't broke fix it till it is!!
2001 eth, ez box, dd2's,southbendclutch

My Ram Pics

 

[Ted Constantine]

I have one on the kitchen table. I was very happy dealing with the guys at southbend but the clutch is not going in until I need it.

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2001. 5 2500, quad cab, 4X4, ETH/DEE, 4. 10 LSD, 255/85 BFG MT, BD Exhaust Brake, JRE 4" exhaust, EZ w/ elbow, 275's, SPA, Amsoil Dual Bypass Filter, Amsoil under the hood (soon to be everywhere else), Leer topper, Piaa driving 510's in bumper, Line-X, Stereo= JVC KD-MX3000, MBQuart 6. 5 components in front doors, 6. 5 coax in rear, JL Audio Stealth Box sub in center seat, Fosgate 400a4 and 250a2 amps, DynaMat everywhere

 

[Blkdawdg]

Well if the southbend that you have slips a little then I don't want it. Steve St. Laurent has testified that his Sachs has NEVER slipped and he has done 30-40 3rd gear launches, drag raced, and done 15-20 dyno runs. I guess I'll be going with the JD Sachs unit.

 

[RobG]

My South Bend is being installed today... I hope to go pick the truck up in another 30-45 minutes.

I have the same mod plans that you do, only mine are a bit more accelerated -- tomorrow morning, my HX-40 goes on. Once that's done, I should be around 400-425 hp at the motor.

I asked the same questions you did, and I spoke at length with Peter, both on this forum, and on the phone. I decided that the dual disc was NOT the way to go, and there was enough positive info on the South Bend that I decided it was worth trying. I hope I made a good choice.

I'll post again on Monday after I get back from my trip to Monterey (total weight will be 19k lbs). I look forward to climbing the Sunol Grade at 75 mph. #ad


Rob


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2001. 5 RAM 3500 QC 4x4 ETH/DEE Silver/Agate, 4. 10, USGear OD, Rickson 19. 5 Wheels, DD EZ, DD3 Injectors, SPA Guages, Psychotty, Firestone Airbags, Hellwig Rear Swaybar, Torklift Superhitch & Camper Tiedowns, Mag-Hytec Diff Cover, DD 4" Exhaust, US Gear Exhaust Brake, etc. On order: Southbend Clutch, HX-40

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Not quite BLKDEMON - what I said was "I'm at close to 400 hp and I have abused it big time - 20-30 3rd gear launches (experimenting), 10-12 dyno runs (on a mustang full load dyno), 10 runs down the dragstrip (plus burnouts), etc. "

 

[BIG BOB]

I put the South Bend Ceramic Puck clutch in my truck on April 10th. I am running somewhere around 450 HP. I will know for sure after Saturday at BD Dyno Days. Leaving at 8:00 AM tomorrow (Friday) morning. Anyway back to the clutch. It did slip while it was seating to the flywheel and pressure plate. It is getting stronger everyday. Rarely slips any more, if it does it is just for a second then it grabs, must not be totally broken in yet. I am very impressed with this clutch, I'm sure another 500 miles and it will not slip at all.

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<font color=blue>"WHITE OBSESSION" 99 Quad Cab, White, SLT, 4x4, 5-sp, 3:54's, Raven cap (cab high), Rhino liner, Stainless Nerf Bars, Stainless Rocker Panels, Tow package, Valentine One, Uniden PC78LTW CB, Hadley Bully Air Horns, HX-40 Turbo, HOT Power Edge, Bully Dog Stage III injectors, South Bend Ceramic Puck Clutch, Psychotty Air Induction, Braided SS Fuel Lines, 4" Jardine Exhaust (Love the deep throaty sound), Bar II Brush Guard with KC Daylighters and Fog lights, Ultra-lite guages with blue bulbs. </font>

<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1086000&a=9265455&f=0" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>New Pictures of my "White Obsession" and Dyno Run</A></font>

<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1086000&a=9815423" TARGET=_blank><font color=green>BD Dyno Days 10/28/00</A></font>

<font color=purple>

NRA Life Member! (Need to protect our rights and FREEDOM!!)<font size=-2>

[This message has been edited by BIG BOB (edited 04-20-2001). ]

 

[David_VT]

JD SACHS is the way to go in my book.

I've been holding off saying much due to some shipping issues. But now that they are resolved, I am happy.

Joe went out of his way to get my new clutch parts fixed (long story, mostly about UPS shipping damage and delivery in the wild vermont weather) and get it back to me. He is taking it on the chin waiting for UPS to pay off, rather than making me wait. #ad


All this and the clutch is still in the box waiting to be installed. I'll have even more good things to say once I get it in!!

The snow is almost melted and the roads are almost ready to support my traction demands!! #ad


EXTRA HP + MUD SEASON = VERY VERY DIRTY TRUCK!! #ad


UPDATE: The clutch is in and I love it!

To all who are thinking about the jump to a high power capable clutch, go for it!! As to brand, sure I'll recommend Joe's, but do your own homework and look at more than just the price as your decision point! Single/Dual, type of pads, customer care both before and after the sale, call the dealer and talk to them, what is the warranty, how will it ship, TDR satisfaction as measured by the posts and their content, Drivability (ask the dealer to find someone who has the one you want in your area and try it out) , current 'issues' and if anyone is satisfied as to how they are being addressed, etc etc.

ENJOY ENJOY ENJOY!!

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99' SB 4x4 : DDI's, HOT PE, JD's SACHS Clutch, SPA dual gauge, ESPAR, Line-X OTR, Ladder bars, AMSOIL, etc (GPS,Cell,CB,... . )
Green Monster

[This message has been edited by David_VT (edited 05-03-2001). ]

 

[Bigsaint]

Everyone has an opinion, here's mine (not that you asked) #ad

I think that any of the three (McLeod, Sachs, SB)will get the job done. I will say that I had to laugh when Rob mentioned that Peter at South Bend does not think the dual disk is the way to go. Why ? Mine's great and ZERO issues, considering that I am asking it to hold alot of extra TQ, at least for me and some other members. Want owner testimonial, look no further than HVAC, though he's currently swapping out to a auto for his never ending pursuit of speed on the 1/4 mile. I'm happy with the McLeod, if I wasn't, you would know about it. I don't have any chatter except at idle and that is barely perceivable (sp) to me. I don't have to raise the rpm's up to do a second gear start, smooth as silk. I don't have chatter while in reverse. My clutch wasn't cheap, but it works. I don't recall reading much if anything negative on the Sachs, but it seems that there are more than a few reporting issues with the South Bend. Maybe it is all in the install, I'm almost convinced it is. Why else would some have issues with a clutch in the same truck as others that do not. RobG, if youre reading this, don't take it as a shot at you personally, I hope that you get everything worked out and running smooth. For those of you not yet running one of these and considering a aftermarket clutch, choose which ever you feel suits your needs, but choose your installer wisely, it could mean the difference between posting these #ad
and these #ad


Scott W.

White 2001. 5 3500 ETH/DEE 4X4 Quad cab SLT,tow package and camper prep,Husky liners front and rear,DiPricol pyro,boost and oil temp gauges,SPA fuel pressure and temp. gauge,Edge EZ,Psychotty air,Bully Dog stage III injectors,ATS 3 piece manifold,HX40 turbo,4" BD exhaust,4" BD E-brake,McLeod clutch,Mallory 4150 lift pump,Mag-Hytec rear,Go-Rhino grill guard,Lund bug shield,PM tractor utility back up lights,Penda bed mat and blow by bottle is bye bye !!! I love the smell of diesel in the morning, it reminds me of... . VICTORY !!!
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1231655&a=9089608" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>My Truck</font></A>
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1231655&a=9089604" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>THE SAINTS</font></A>




[This message has been edited by Bigsaint (edited 04-20-2001). ]

 

[South Bend Clutch]

Scott, I would like to know where in this comment do you see "Peter said"---------------- I asked the same questions you did, and I spoke at length with Peter, both on this forum, and on the phone. I decided that the dual disc was NOT the way to go, and there was enough positive info on the South Bend that I decided it was worth trying. I hope I made a good choice. ---------------- I did like your comment on the installation of clutches, who's ever product it may be!!! That point is very hard to get across.

 

[Bigsaint]

South Bend Clutch, I have to offer my apologies, I misread the post and I am truly sorry for mis-quoting. I have no real excuse to offer other than a late night at work and my own mistake to not read more carefully. Again, I'm sorry.

As to choosing the installers, glad to see you are in agreement. Seems the only logical reason why one owner with the same truck and clutch would be happy while another is experiencing difficulties.

Scott W.

 

[drawson]

I had to jump in here again. I now have almost 2500 miles on my south bend clutch now and it seem to have seated some the shatter is almost gone in 2nd and there is no chatter in 1st or reverse.

No slipage at all #ad
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[This message has been edited by drawson (edited 04-25-2001). ]

 

[KWIKKURT]

I have chosen to install the South Bend 2001.
I have been waiting and watching since last year in tulare ca. The factory clutch would not hold back my bombed Cummins.

There has been alot of testing going on and here on TDR and it is probably the best real world testing we as Consumers and our Suppliers could want. Although the Different Bombing varations, Driving styles, Truck uses and end results wanted is sure to be a Pain in the _________ for our suppliers/Manufacturing. With this in mind we now have several choices to choose from and there is surely one that will come close to our individual needs.

My Truck and intended uses: Med Bombing planned. . 400-450 HP. . Daily driver. . High average mileage per day. . and lots of trailer towing & backing etc.

These are the reasons why I have decided on "TESTING" the South Bend 2001 CON. FE

1. I like the heavy sprung center section as it will help the shocks and vibrations transmitted to the transmission.
The Cummins will hammer on the drive line at low rpm and heavy throttle. Like starting and towing heavy loads. One of the reasons the 5spd nuts had trouble.

2. the SB clutch should be almost the same pedal pressure. Important when driving 200 miles aday. And if I let my 120# wife drive it.

3. I don't want more clutch than I expect to need. If I push the truck hard I want the clutch to be the weak link in the drive train... Not to Fail. . But to slip or soften the blow rather than snapping my Axles, pinion or carrier as I have done in the past with a high torque engine, bullet proof trans and a indestructable drive shaft and a slightly heavy foot #ad
You can always drive home after slipping the clutch. #ad


4. If it does the job I ask of it then the price is in my budget And I think it is a Fair price for what you get:
Clutch Plate, Disc, Throwout bearing and I believe a stock and a Repair style bushing.

5. SouthBends Good Service and quality has been around for a long time.

6. Good Warranty Period

So only time will tell and I can't wait #ad


P. S. Does anyone know who has the best deal on Propane INJ Or DDIII's #ad
#ad
#ad


"I AM MY OWN TESTING STATION"

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"Have you driven OVER a phord lately"
2001 2500 BRT WHT SPORT QUADCAB 4X4 ETH 3. 54LSD TRLR CMPR PKG ALL OPT XCPT LTHR

[This message has been edited by KWIKKURT (edited 04-26-2001). ]

 

[SmokinJoe]

Originally posted by drawson:
it doesn't slip at all even launching the truck at 2500+ in 3rd.

How do you do that? What is your RPM when you let the clutch out? I tried those with my stock ETC and it does not work well.

twice I stalled it.

The last time I put a 8' patch down and the takeoff was slow...



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2001. 5 QC 2500 White Sport 4x4 LWB ETC 5-Speed Anti-Spin 3. 54 Trailer Tow 241HD SLT+ Tan Leather(Mad Cow Disease) LT265/75R16E

 

[csutton7]

KK--- www.performancediesel.net is where I'd start---chris

 

[BIG BOB]

I have the MU 0087 CON. B. Even though South Bend rates this clutch at 425 HP, and I am around 450+ HP. I have just over 2500 miles on it now and the chatter in 2nd is almost totally gone, rarely do I get any chatter in 2nd. I have no slippage at all now. It puts the HP to the ground!

I have been a little leary to try 3rd gear starts. Anyone have any commits on 3rd gear starts?

 

[TomGolden]

Hi all,

I want to thank you all for responding so far. I have the new South Bend on the way, and have an installation date of May 18th at Dan's Transmissions in San Jose, CA.

I want to thank Blair Pine [BPine] for all his help and efforts in getting this all setup for me, and for recommending this shop to do the work.

When I get a few miles on the thing, I too will post my results and opinions, as I know there aren't many of these new clutches out there in ETH/DEE's yet, and I know lots of people are curious as to how it will do.

Tom