Centerforce Clutch..any good?

[SteveH]

I pretty well smoked a clutch today backing my 5th wheel, its a stock clutch with 65k on it and has always been marginal at best. Anyone had any experience with the Centerforce Dual Friction clutch set-up? How does Centerforce compair with the South Bend? Where is the cheapest place to buy a Centerforce or South Bend? If I go the South Bend route, which would work best for 300 hp at the rear wheels? Thanks in advance for the info.

 

[Cooker]

I think MGM could add a few comments about Centerforce



Maybe he will see this thread and comment. He posted about his very negative expereince with Centerforce a while back, you might try a search.



I've got an auto so I don't know which is the "one to get" I'm sure some manual shifting guys will chime in and steer you the right way.



-Ryan

 

[radixr]

South Bend

Unless you plan on some serious sled pulling, the South Bend MV 0090CON 0 clutch will give you smooth engagement and plenty of holding power.



Let us know if your input shaft pilot bearing was bad when you get your clutch replaced. After 70,000 miles, mine was toast.

 

[drawson]

South Bend

Call and talk to Peter at South Bend Clutch, He'll steering you in the right direction. ANd there customer service is outstanding.



1-800-988-4345

 

[sewman]

Centerforce didn't work to long for me,buy a SB that's what I have.

 

[MikeR]

Southbend all the way!

There is no comparison between the two. Call SB they'll help you choose one.



The Centerforce needs high RPM's for it to operate correctly. Unfortuntely,our diesels don't spin high RPM's which makes the CF useless.

 

[Sled Puller]

Two GOOD things about Centerforce:

1)They rebuilt it and sent it back to me, no charge.

2) It lasted 5 sled pulls VS. the DRE Sachs ONE(1)





Call SB, Peter is the man!





If you want to sled pull and you are mildly BOMBed , there is only one place to go,www.enterpriseengine.com. I learned my lesson to the tune of $$$$$$.



Gene, tellin it like it is since 1968!

 

[Dan Markeson]

Clutches

Allow me to start by pointing out that I'm running modified Sacks from Joe Donnelly. I paid about $1,300 for it. It has 3,900 lb. springs and four pucks on each side. It doesn't slip and I'm told I'm knocking the crap out of 475 HP but have never had any luck getting a dyno to read it. And the little woman won't drive it.



Between three friends and I, we've done eight clutch replacements in the last six months. I'm the only one that hasn't had a repeat. One rig is stock, one is knocking on 300's door and the last over 450 HP. If you want Joe's number I can hook you up with that, but most people don't want to put out that kind of cash and don't have to.



Just do yourself a favor and at least place a call to Exchange Parts in Salt Lake City. Talk to Troy. 800 486 3051. Tell him exactly what your plans are for the truck and how you use it. The prices are good and he stand's behind the product. I believe he uses the South Bend hubs. He can do ceramic, dual friction, organic, and cevlar (sp?).

 

[DieselB59]

We actually had one guy who, for reasons unknown to God and the world, came in with a McLeod clutch and had us ditch it and put in a Centerforce. Different strokes for different folks. Personally from what I've read and driven, both the South Bend Clutch and the McLeod Dual disc are fine. I have a McLeod with about 30K on it in my daily driver and it's great. And for the noise, these are heavy duty trucks, if you want it quiet, the Diesel isn't for you anyway. Honestly, there has been a racket going on below the gearshift lever since day one. I knew what I was getting into when I bought it. I drove a first generation Dodge Cummins and it was packed full of rattles and clatter. The new truck, noisy as it may be, is like a limo compared to the old.

 

[Hammer]

I'd love to show him the PILE of parts in my garage from one of their clutches,,Best for you to seek another brand,but,its your truck,,Good luck

 

[sewman]

What brand are you talking about when you say theirs caused a pile of parts?

Thanks,Bob

 

[SteveH]

Hey Hammer, What brand of clutch were you talking about when you mention a pile of parts in the garage?



I talked to Peter today at South Bend and he seems to be quite knowledgable about their applications/products. I went ahead and had him send me one of their 0090 con 0 clutch packages along with the pilot and throw out bearing. Supposed to be good to 420 HP and 1000 ft#'s.



I'll post on the condition of the input pilot bearing when I get the clutch and get it installed.

 

[South Bend Clutch]

I believe the clutch that Hammer was speaking of is the Centerforce. I remember a thread he had from a while back but could not find it. This thread started with a question about CF so I think his reply was what it was, if that makes any sense



Peter

 

[Bad340fish]

High RPM

If you have ever seen a CF dual friction clutch for a cummins you will notice it has TWICE the amount of wieghts on the fingers as a CF gasser Clutch. A friend of mine had good luck with one for awhile, his truck was fast but slow on the low end, so it was kinda easy on clutches... . that is until he started hauling tractors.



From everything I have read on here and from talking to Peter in the chat rooms I am going SB when my stocker goes south. Just my . 02



PS Peter. . how is the "truck" lol

Clark

 

[drawson]

SOUTH BEND = AAA+++

I just got installing South Bends MU 0090 Con. O and all I can say is WOW !!!!!!



They say you can't have your cake and eat it too. Peter has done it light peddle pressure that HOLDS!!!!

 

[Brian Cobb]

Drawsons right you can have your cake and eat it too.

I've had the clutch in for awhile now and sure enough as per Peters recomendation it holds. Darn good clutch .

Give southbend a call.



Brian Cobb

 

[Hammer]

Sorry,,Been out of town for work and just got in,,The pile of parts was due to a Centerforce explosion,,I'll not get any deeper than that,what I will say is this,RESEARCH,there are much better pieces out there for your money and a little work you'll find them

 

[SteveH]

Hi radixr,

Talked to the mechanic today that is putting in my new South Bend clutch. He said that the input shaft bearing was in really good shape, not burned or damaged in any way he could tell. This is at 67k. Steve H

 

[DBR]

I have had two OE Lucas clutches, a Centerforce and now a SBC unit. I can say that the Centerforce held up for about 30,000 miles of hard abuse, well over the rated 800 ftlb's of torque. When I bought the clutch it was the only thing on the market at that time, but in today's market, I would have to suggest going to a SBC unit. I have to admit that the SBC clutch does hold very well with just a little chatter in 2nd gear and reverse, but nothing that would annoy the average performance driver.