Clutch Choices

[RGH43]

What is the problem with using a stock clutch to replace a stock clutch? I have to put in a new clutch since I burnt the stock clutch backing up the fiver repeatedly & riding the clutch, it is now starting to slip. Long story, other wise I am sure I would not be asking this question. Reading about the SB clutches and with the rattle & noise problems, the backing a trailer issue. Since I don't have a 4X4 to help, I am concerned about this. I don't do anything like pull a sled, drag or off road, I only use it to pull a 16K Fifth Wheel. I may increase the HP some in the future say 50 to 100Hp if needed so far I haven't seen the need. In this case is the stock clutch OK or should I get one of the SB clutches?

Does the SB clutch require a great deal of effort to disengage? Is there a slave cylinder or anything I should get to assist in helping when pushing the pedal in? What is the hydraulic upgrade and do I need that too? Is the stock flywheel OK to use if it is resurfaced if needed?

If it turns out the SB clutch is the best way to go which one should I get for my type of use?

 

[icman95]

Stock clutch is a POS for towing my 33ft toyhauler. Slipped it and burnt it backing into driveway multiple times. Called Pete at SBC for advice and he said model 1947 ConOfe was right for me. Don't know if this applies to your 03 the same as my 01, but love the new clutch. One thing that was necessary on mine, though is SBC's adjustable slave cylinder setup. The stock one doesn't provide enough throw to fully disengage new SBC clucth. Adjustable kit works great for this. I have had no rattling problems with the clutch and properly adjusted, it is a breeze to operate. It is possible to slip the clutch with the heavy trailer on it, but much, much less than stock and not enough to make it a problem.



I ordered a new flywheel from them at the same time just to make sure everything was evenly matched. The was my mechanic's advice and I have no problem with it.

 

[WOT]

I'll second the South Bend clutch. Peter is a good guy.

In my 2000 I put the ConO clutch and it held the stock truck + an Edge EZ up all the way. I'm not sure how that compares to a stock '03. 5, but it's probably more than that and slightly less then the '03. 5 + a mild towing tune. The ConO was every bit as smooth as the stock. I replace the stock clutch @ 38K and it had probably 50% left. The truck is now around 140K and gets used to pull a horse trailer.

As you can see from the signature, I have upped the bombing a bit on the '05 so I went with a Con OFe. It's holds good, but does tend to get a bit grabby in reverse backing the camper.

With either be sure you get the full roller pilot bearing - MUCH better then the stock POS needle bearing setup. The stocker failed on the '00 at 50K and Peter sent me a new throwout bearing and the roller bearing (which he just started selling at the time) free of charge.

Bob