Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) clutch recommendations

[dieselsam59]

I have a currently stock 01 6 speed, i tow a 12,000 trailer regularly. I may get a smarty someday and maybe some 275 injectors, but thats about it. i need something that will last, and also have more capability than the stock clutch. the stock clutch is pretty well fried from doing stupid stuff. looking for some insight from those with experience, thanks

 

[dieselsam59]

and does anyone offer a reman flywheel? this is my only vehicle, and i do not have time to wait on the local machine shops

 

[AHire]

South Bend OFE or FE. My FE came with a flywheel and i sent my old one in for a core.

 

[SHobbs]

I chose Southbend and I also chose an installer off their website. The installer charged me 400 for r&r and it only took about 4 1/2 hours to get it done. Now they did ask me if I had a 4x4 so I am certain they would want a little more for the r&r. Was easy thing to do I just called the installer told them what I wanted took it in and off I went.



My OFE came with a new flywheel as well. Whoever you choose for your clutch give them a call and see what they recommend for you needs and or future needs.

 

[jhoughton]

Do the SB con-ofe good for 450 hp and pleanty of trq. I have pulled as heavy as 14k but usually around 10K. Mine also came with the flywheel. I purchaced through Wickliff Diesel service in Bowling Green, KY at Wickliff Diesel Service at the time they had the best deal going. Others may have a sale going now though.

 

[zstroken]

SB will sell you a clutch with or without the flywheel. For the price difference I would get one with the new flywheel. It has an upgraded pilot bearing in it, and also you don't have to pay the $50-$60 to get your flywheel ground(not turned). Also you can do the swap in a day with no waiting on the flywheel.

 

[PC12Driver]

If you're only going with a Smarty and 275s, you're still within the Con-O power range. There is absolutely no reason to get a higher HP clutch than you need. Especially since you said that you "may" add some extra horsepower. You won't gain anything by going with a clutch with a higher hp rating than what you need, but you will loose the smoothness of the all-orgainic clutch (even an OFE will be grabby at times, especially with a trailer), and the heavier disks in the OFE and FE will make your shifting a bit more notchy (syncros have more mass to accelerate/deccelerate). You'll save a bundle by going with the "O", too.

 

[zstroken]

If you're only going with a Smarty and 275s, you're still within the Con-O power range. There is absolutely no reason to get a higher HP clutch than you need. Especially since you said that you "may" add some extra horsepower. You won't gain anything by going with a clutch with a higher hp rating than what you need, but you will loose the smoothness of the all-orgainic clutch (even an OFE will be grabby at times, especially with a trailer), and the heavier disks in the OFE and FE will make your shifting a bit more notchy (syncros have more mass to accelerate/deccelerate). You'll save a bundle by going with the "O", too.

I hear what you say, but if you might add more HP, then I would be prepared to do it. Lots of people will live with the very slight difference in drive ability to save the cost and the time to swap the clutch out later. My vote is for an OFE. I have an FE in my truck and there can be some drive ability issues, but I tow 12-13K around with it and it is very manageable.

 

[PC12Driver]

I hear what you say, but if you might add more HP, then I would be prepared to do it. Lots of people will live with the very slight difference in drive ability to save the cost and the time to swap the clutch out later. My vote is for an OFE. I have an FE in my truck and there can be some drive ability issues, but I tow 12-13K around with it and it is very manageable.

I totally agree with the idea of buying something that you can grow into. But for a fellow who's asking about a clutch for a stock truck that might get a smarty and might add some 275s, I can't see the jump to the OFE. If he stays stock that would be money wasted and drivability lost. Heck, even if he goes with all of the planned mods he's still comfortably in the HP range of the O, so he's back to money wasted and drivability lost with the OFE. If he's being honest about his planned mods, then we shouldn't push him into something he doesn't need.



As an OFE owner, if I towed more than I do I'd switch to an O in a heartbeat and adjust my mods accordingly (probably a Smarty and 275s). Yes, the OFE is manageable, but I can't see dealing with bad driving manners if a better solution is available.

 

[zstroken]

I wish I had an OFE! The FE is manageable, but you definately need to pay attention when you drive it. If I had to do over I would have an OFE in mine.

 

[AHire]

If he pulls a 12000 pound trailer would the FE last longer? I ask because around here there are farmers that switch to dual disc because they pull heavy loads all the time. One i know personally had a Con O that didnt last a year and his truck is bone stock down to the air filter.

 

[zstroken]

Unless you smoke the clutch, the FE will probably last as long as the flywheel. I wouldn't want an FE in a truck that towed 12K everyday though. Thing to remember is the FE doesn't slip much. It will chatter on you, when you get it hot. Big Tires, 3. 54 rearend and lots of backing up would be a pain.

 

[DSeamans]

If you don't get a new flywheel (I would) make sure the machine shop knows what they are doing on these trucks. My stock clutch started slipping at 12500 miles and I took it to the dealer hoping for warranty. Not only no warranty, they took the flywheel to a local shop that messed it up. I was told later (ordering 3rd clutch) that these flywheels have a slight dish in them stock. Flat grinding can mess up engagement and cause early wear/slippage.

 

[V-Metalworx]

I think I'll add a little here I've got a y2k with a 6er in it I had a 13" luk pro gold and hated it the thing chattered and buked like a pd off mule finally got mad and broke the presure plate truck pulling I talked to Peter at south bend he set me up with a 3600# dual disk best money I ever spent I did put in the biger slave and master cly and pedal pressure is less than the old single disk it pulls a trailer fine and havn't noticed a lot of chatter I really don't think anyone can just say they are gonna do upgade X and stop once you get bit by the bug it never stops always gotta get a little more power the best part with the dd clutch is you can rebuild the flywheel so you only have to pay big money once I'd rather spend the money up front and know you have plenty of clutch to hold all the power you can through at it well good luck call Peter atSB he'll help you decide what is best for your truck.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

Peter of SouthBend Clutch is standing at his SBC booth last year at Indy and I walk up and say, "Man, that dual disc is cool, with the sprung hubs. "



Ol'e Pete says, "Ya want me to box it up fer ya?"



I say, "I got the money all saved up in the bank, too. "



Pete says, "Fantastic, Cash, check or charge?" Peter's a good looking guy with a million dollar smile, and he's giving me my money's worth, like this-->



I say, "But I can't... . "



Peter says":{... Why?"



And I say, "Because eight years ago, some idiot sold me a Con FE and that dang thing just WON'T DIE!!!"



Thanks alot, Peter. :-laf

 

[johncameron]

Peter of SouthBend Clutch is standing at his SBC booth last year at Indy and I walk up and say, "Man, that dual disc is cool, with the sprung hubs. "



Ol'e Pete says, "Ya want me to box it up fer ya?"



I say, "I got the money all saved up in the bank, too. "



Pete says, "Fantastic, Cash, check or charge?" Peter's a good looking guy with a million dollar smile, and he's giving me my money's worth, like this-->



I say, "But I can't... . "



Peter says":{... Why?"



And I say, "Because eight years ago, some idiot sold me a Con FE and that dang thing just WON'T DIE!!!"



Thanks alot, Peter. :-laf

Thats funny:-laf but TRUE

 

[South Bend Clutch]

I remember that conversation. If I would have been a little quicker thinking, I should have asked you for your keys to see how the clutch felt. :-laf



Peter

 

[BDaugherty]

I just bought a MU1947 ConOFE for my '01 6spd from South Bend. I don't drive mine every day so I just paid a local clutch rebuilder $23 to resurface my flywheel. I was gonna reinstall the clutch today, but instead I'm sitting at the hospital with my pregnant wife. I'll write a review after I finish the install and get a few miles on it. Since I'm doing the install myself, maybe I can offer additional insight over those that have a shop do it. I tow a little from time to time, but usually not more than 10K.

 

[BDaugherty]

If you don't get a new flywheel (I would) make sure the machine shop knows what they are doing on these trucks. My stock clutch started slipping at 12500 miles and I took it to the dealer hoping for warranty. Not only no warranty, they took the flywheel to a local shop that messed it up. I was told later (ordering 3rd clutch) that these flywheels have a slight dish in them stock. Flat grinding can mess up engagement and cause early wear/slippage.

I was just read in the installation instructions that came with my SBC that they recommend flat grinding for their clutches... so like you said, know what you're getting and make sure that your flywheel grinder has the correct information and tooling.

 

[South Bend Clutch]

I was gonna reinstall the clutch today, but instead I'm sitting at the hospital with my pregnant wife



Congratulations on the new baby or soon to be!! Give me a call, I would like to help you out with your new born.



Peter