Clutch question

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Ok guys, I need opinions here! My newly aquired Ram is a 5 speed, and the clutch engages near the top of the pedal travel. With these hydrolic clutches, is there adjustment or is this the signal that the clutch is near the end of its life? The truck currently has a TST 230/605 plate (#)? and I will be doing MUCH more in the future... best advise? Thanks in advance, gentlemen!!
Brian

 

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There is no adjustment for the clutch pedal/engagement. You will spin your clutch soon. The best replacement is the McLeod Dual-Disc unit from Jim Leonard. Trust me, I've been there four times. I've tried them all. Easy engagement, handles the power, easy pedal pressure, engages somewhere near the floor. #ad




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Chris
1997 5sp 4X4, HX40, BD 4" Brake, Marine Compression, Custom Tuned Injection Pump, 370B Injection Nozzles, Delivery Valves, Governor & AFC Spring Kit, Psychotty Air, Water Injection, 6" Chrome Exhaust System, No Smoke Valet Switch, McLeod Dual Disc Clutch, Mag-Hytec Rear Cover, Cummins Chrome Kit, Optima Red Tops, Hadley Bully Horns, Hurst Line Loc. Test mule for Auto Wurks race program

 

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Diesel, mine is also a 97 2500 4x4. What do you know about the Sachs unit that Dr. Donnelly touts? Even with the generous group perchase (thanks Carl!), the price still hurts on the McLeod. Thx, Brian

 

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He hasn't tried the custom modified Sachs. I have changed clutches 7 times while developing units that hold the power. It and the stock LuK both engage near the top of pedal travel. The Sachs is not cheap either, but it is a premium unit from Germany. Sachs makes clutches for Ferrari, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, etc.

If I may summarize my opinion, the Sachs sprung hub is extremely well made and strong. It is spring dampened and that is very good for a street truck. The dual disk clutch has a solid hub that transmits much more vibration and shock. The two disks and a 5/16" thick center plate all have to float to achieve clean release. This situation is hard to achieve with the bellhousing space and pedal travel available in the Ram, especially if the center plate warps a bit or the disks wobble at all on the splined input shaft. Dual disks give more holding power than a single disk for equal diameter, clamp load, and friction material. I want a sprung hub so have been working to develop the Sachs for my street application. The combination of clamp load and friction material I am using seems to give enough holding power for almost all applications, in a high quality, reasonably street-friendly clutch.

Joe
510. 7 hp (measured on Dynojet 248C)
"It's totally stock, DC"
[all the parts were in stock at my place when I installed them #ad
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[This message has been edited by Joseph Donnelly (edited 11-08-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Thanks for the e-mail response, Dr. Joe! As its sounds as though my clutch is on its way out, I will try to nurse what I have for a while and save up $$! Any other ideas, Im open!

 

[Archive]

I should get the Sachs by friday, hope to put it in this weekend depending on the weather, I'll let you know.

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95' 2500 standard trans. 2wd reg cab 125,000 miles.
TST #4 plate kit, 370 Diamond B injectors, Afc spring kit, Gov. spring kit,TST's fuel pressure adapter and 2 guage pillar mount, SPA EGT/Boost guage.
Badly in need of a clutchJoe D's Sachs is on the way.