Clutch job: what am I getting into?

[2t2-crash]

I used a semi trans jack. NV5600 is heavy w/transfer case attached. Really long extensions w/ swivels will allow you to get to the top bolts from the rear of transmission (more room). I put the front wheels on 4in blocks to give me more room to clear the shift tower when you drop the trans. I also put a floor jack under the front of the engine to support it to take some of the stress off the motor mounts and to keep front of engine from leaning forward.just my .02

I have 3000 lbs of de-icing fluid in the back of my truck so she was balanced well.... a little too well since she is sitting low in the back and I’m not a skinny man.

 

[petersonj]

I bought a new one. I’ve had this truck for two years, supposedly it had a new clutch installed before I bought it because the PO has a bad left leg and trashed the first one.

The friction material on the clutch in the photo looks like it might be ceramic. If so, it is likely the cause of excessive wear on the flywheel and the pressure plate. If you look closely you will see that there is not much wear on the clutch disc (note the original machine marks are still present on the pads).

Hopefully your new clutch disc is made of organic material, otherwise you may experience another similar early failure.

- John

 

[KATOOM]

Thats definitely not the clutch of choice for a daily driver...

 

[2t2-crash]

I went with organic for the new one.

 

[petersonj]

I went with organic for the

Good choice. You will likely observe smoother clutch operation as well as long life.

- John

 

[2t2-crash]

So, jobs done and all set with a successful function check.
I’ve read clutches should be given 400 miles of city driving before freeway speeds but the instructions that came with the kit made no mention of this (duralast kit). Any input?

 

[petersonj]

I have never heard of this personally, but conceptually it does make some sense - sort of like making several firm braking applications after installing brake pads and rotors.

400 miles of city driving seems a bit excessive. And you can't drive on the freeway until then? With an empty truck you will not be able to apply maximum engine torque to the clutch, even if you wanted to, unless you are climbing some very steep grades in high gear at a high speed.

- John

 

[GCroyle]

So, jobs done and all set with a successful function check.
I’ve read clutches should be given 400 miles of city driving before freeway speeds but the instructions that came with the kit made no mention of this (duralast kit). Any input?

The break in comment was frequently suggested for certain facing materials, kevlar for example benefited from this due to its high wear resistance it takes a bit more to bed it in. If you put it on the freeway and drive non stop 400 miles that doesn't do anything to bed in the facings to their new wear surfaces. Normal stop and go starts will bed the facings. Drive and enjoy.

 

[2t2-crash]

Thanks for the clarification!
I have 300 gallons of liquid de-ice in my truck. The clutch went out the day I was hired on with a company to spray parking lots. Of course the worst snow in my area happened to have pretty much cleared up Monday. Go figure.

 

[KATOOM]

You're just not supposed to tow for the first 400-500 miles of around town driving. If you're not towing anything for some time then just drive it and enjoy.