Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) clutch diagnosis

[ichoplin]

I've done a ton of searching and learned alot about these clutches, but I still need a couple of things clarified. First off, I'm referring to the truck in my signature(has 192,000 miles on it)

Yesterday, I loaned my truck to my friend at work to tow his 04 Powerstroke to his house. Anyway, ten minutes after he left I get the call that my clutch was gone. I go to get him and found that the truck would not go into gear. I started the truck(w/trailer & Ford attached) in gear and planned on just getting it off the highway. It shifted fine w/out the pedal, so we limped it all the way to his house. On the way, my mind raced. I thought(hoped) maybe hydraulics were bad. Then, I gave it a little throttle and the clutch slipped. It had never slipped before this. This made me fear that I had more than a hydraulic problem.

So, here's where I need your experience, does this sound like strictly a hyd. issue? Hyd & clutch both? Do you guys recommend the flywheel be resurfaced/replaced if it gets to that point? Any way to try to diagnose it?

I've read tons of recommendations about SBC and their products, but I really want to have all my ducks in a row before I start. My friend has a nice shop to work on the truck, but he lives out in the "sticks" and if I need anything it will be a three-hour trip to town and back. Like most situations like this, time will be of essence.

Sorry for the lengthy post.

Thanks,

Ian

 

[MarkMiller]

Could be the hydro in that the throwout bearing could be gone and be keeping the clutch from releasing all the way. The fingers of the clutch could also be bent. Lots of maybes. More than likely if you are on your original clutch. It is the friction and it's time for a new setup. Yuu can put a new friction and clutch in and get the flywheel resurfaced or get a full kit from SBC. You should resurface the flywheel no matter what. Just an insurance to not destroy a brand new clutch. I have had two SBC clutches and like them both. There are several types, call SBC and talk to them. Single and dual disk, organic, steel, ceramic, feramic, etc. . Call htem directly and get their recommendation. They can also set you up with their upgraded hydraulics if you want. It is required for some of their more extreme clutches but is an easy way to get all the parts you need the first time. I have had a feramic single (with my old NV4500) and now use a 3850 dual disk because of power issues (1200ft lbs will do some damage to a clutch(with my 5600).

GL

 

[ichoplin]

Thanks for the tip.

One other thing I left out of my description, I never noticed any change in the clutch before it "went out. " I know that it's possible that I wouldn't notice since I'm in it everyday.



Ian

 

[MarkMiller]

If you haven't put much load on it in awhile and someone gives it a little extra slip because they aren't familiar with it, it could go. That is a lot of maybe's and coulds though. More than likely it is just an untimely clutch failure. Order up a kit from SBC and be done with it.

 

[ichoplin]

I ordered a new clutch from SBC this morning.

Anyone know off hand which issue of the TDR the clutch replacement(by OO) is printed? I know I've got it, but I'm away from home and couldn't ask my wife to sift through all of my back issues.

Thanks,

Ian

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Did you order a new flywheel as well? If not, make sure to measure the thickness of the flywheel after resurfacing. Call Peter at SBC with the measurement and he can tell you whether or not you need to add a washer to the pivot stud. If you don't you may be pulling it back apart in order to do so. If you did order a new flywheel - GOOD DEAL!!!

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[ichoplin]

I did not order a new flywheel.

Thanks for the heads-up.

Ian

 

[ichoplin]

Just a quick update

I went ahead and ordered a new flywheel from SBC. Hopefully the brown truck can make it here through the whole 2" of snow we got the other day. If they can, I should be in business this weekend.

Thanks for all the help.

BTW, OO's write up on 5600 clutch replacement is printed in issue 50 of the TDR.

Ian

 

[JPulliam]

The 5600 is HEAVY! Let me repeat, The 5600 is HEAVY! I hope you have a good transmission jack and a strong back. My 4500 was a toy compared to my buddy's 5600.

 

[ichoplin]

I received all of my SBC goodies today. Went w/ Con OFE, SBC hyd, & new flywheel.

Besides the transmission being very heavy, any other sage words of advice? I have changed clutches before, none have been hydraulic though.

Any "must-haves" before I start? I ask this b/c my truck is at a buddy's place and a trip to town from there is quite a drive.

Wish me luck.

Ian

 

[hsmith]

You need to torque the flywheel bolts and cover bolts, don't have the numbers here at home. Other than that , some patience and a spreader to open the frame a bit for cross member r&r.

 

[ichoplin]

Update:

I was able to drive my truck home this afternoon. All in all, it wasn't too terrible of a job. No surprises and the Con OFE shifts nicely. Took a buddy and me just over 4 hours start to finish. Time to update my sig

Thanks for everyone's input.

Ian