Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Clutch opinions

[DNewell]

Good morning gang! I'm just beginning to realize that it may be time to replace my clutch. it's a stocker(I believe) and has gotten me to about 135k. miles. :-laf I pull a 5th wheel that when fully grossed out, my entire rig is right around 19k#'s. I'm not too sure if anyone has purchased a clutch kit from NAPA, but I called there yesterday and for a ceramic button clutch with a flywheel, the cost is around $685 or so. Does anyone have any experience with these clutches?

What would you recommend for a clutch for my truck. I'm most likely pushing no more than 275hp, at best on a cold day. I've got a stock engine with a Van Aaken box, straight exhaust, and a swisscheesed airbox with a Amsoil filter. Nothing else, to my knowledge, has been done. I may do new squirters someday, but that would be about it.

I can't break the bank. I'm thinking about going to a local junkyard and picking up a flywheel and then getting it resurfaced to make the installation process that much easier in that I won't have to tear it down and then take the stocker in to get resurfaced, thus eliminating wasted time. i'm going to start looking, but would like to get some opinions from the pros. Thanks gang!

 

[GCroyle]

Pm

DNewell,



PM sent.

 

[AndyMan]

I've got a clutch from GCroyle's organization. I've had two South Bend clutches and while I have nothing bad to say aobut them, I like the Zoom Variable Torque clutch much better.

 

[DNewell]

I've got a clutch from GCroyle's organization. I've had two South Bend clutches and while I have nothing bad to say aobut them, I like the Zoom Variable Torque clutch much better.

yeah, Gary turned me on to your post on the replacement with the Zoom clutch kit. My God, someone really screwed up the install on the last one... Gary's been great to speak with. We've been talking via email and he's definitely tops. I think that I'm sold on the stage II kit. When I pull, I pull pretty heavy, and want to get something that has very solid engagement. I'm running a PacBrake, so I also want to make sure there's positive engagement with the clutch when slowing. My only problem is going to be finding a lift and a transmission jack to do the job.