Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Clutch recommendation for stock truck

[DLangford]

I have a 2001 H. O. 6 speed Ram CTD with 70k miles. I am the second owner.

THe clutch is starting to slip a little.

I don't plan to do any engine tweaking in the future as far as increasing power. I will be towing about 10,000 pounds next year (gooseneck and load).

I am friendly with the Car Quest person across the street. I got a quote for their heavy duty clutch kit, which is the one with kevlar material on the disc, for a total of $480 (which was the price for a repair shop, not for the average individual).

Does anyone have any experience with the higher end clutches from CQ, Napa, etc, and how did they perform?

I know about South Bend clutch, but aren't they mainly for trucks with upgraded power?

Thanks

 

[BTighe]

ive been looking at the same thing. they way i see it, a stocker in the stock size clutch will be good because it will more than likely slip before it breaks. the smaller performance ones seem to rip the centers. i would check out the 13" con o if budget allows. i had an FE that i left in a truck the i returned to stock and it was fine driveability wise.

 

[wcjp]

Regardless of it's condition, be sure to replace the pilot bearing.



Why is the clutch slipping with very low mileage on stock power? Was the truck previously modded? Are you sure you're not going to add at least a little power later? Really sure? At least buy a little more clutch than you need in case your needs grow.



I did a SBC Clutch on my 96' 5spd. Mild mods and towing were no problem. I avoided anything cheap. Is the $480 unit a foreign knock-off?

 

[DLangford]

I believe the first owner sort of abused the clutch. He was a landscaper and probably towed fairly heavy loads.

I had the dealer under warranty a few years ago replace a rear freeze plug. To get to it he had to pull the transmission back off. The tech commented that the clutch was worn more than expected then with the # of miles it had.

I believe the clutch CQ quoted for me (the higher price/quality one) is a Borg Warner, but I can check to be sure.

I don't think I need to boost power, but won't know for sure I guess until I tow the heavy loads.

 

[PRout]

I know Southbend used to have what they called their "Rally" or "Ralley" clutch (not sure of the spelling) that was designed for around stock power levels. Not sure how it handles towing or if it even still exists anymore. It was supposed to be less expensive than going for the heavier types. .

If it were me I would seriously consider paying the extra bucks and going for the 13" con OFE or the 13" con O if youre absolutely sure you wont be adding power mods. I would still go for the OFE just because of all of the comments on the boards from satisfied users. It seems to be a good compromise between not being too grabby, and still very tough.

Just another opinion. . But the ofe will probably be my next clutch regardless of what power level im at then. . Just because they are proven tough for their rating.