Clutch slippage. Adjustment?

[07flatbed]

My manual transmission, 07. 5, Flatbed clutch seems to be slipping under heavy load starts in 1st gear (actually smelled a slight burning odor). I purchased the truck with about 30,000 miles on it and it now has 37,000 showing. When I first drove the truck I noticed the clutch began to dis-engage with almost no pedal pressure applied. I'm wondering if the former owner was a "clutch rider" and did a lot of city driving. I recently pulled my 28' trailer (loaded) with my slide in camper on the back of the truck from AZ to Utah. The calculated gross weight of the truck, camper and trailer is about 25,000# and once moving I didn't notice any clutch slippage the whole trip. I got 9. 2 mpg, average, hand calculated and the overhead read out was almost the same.



I'm wondering if there is a way to adjust the clutch so that it doesn't begin to dis-engage untill the pedal is depressed further? Any input is appreciated.

 

[AH64ID]

The DMF clutch on your G56 is the weakpoint of the truck. It's possible the clutch is done at 37K miles, it won't be the first to fail that early. . and certainly not a record.



Looking thru the service manual I don't see an adjustment.



A SBC SMF conversion may be in your future.

 

[GCroyle]

The G56 (as issued) uses a Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) and Self Adjusting Clutch, SAC. There is no provision for user adjustment. The SAC by design is going to compensate for disc wear and effectively make the casting of the pressure plate seem taller, thus keeping the diaphragm spring in an "ideal sweet spot" for the life of the system. The hydraulic release system automatically adjusts for the small amount of spring tip height variation in an SAC system. One unique thing about an SAC vs. a NON SAC, you virtually do not get any warning of wear in the clutch, it just goes to failure mode. On a NON SAC, the pedal effort gets harder as the disc gets thinner, thinner being the almost wornout stage of its life.



The ONLY possible provision for SAC adjustment is a bench reset procedure to origination settings and requires a full R&R, reset correctly and then roll the dice.



This IMHO is not common procedure at all, just mentioned to add info. And I saw the result of a "tech" trying to due this on a reluctant to release (shift) Ranger, they adjusted it the wrong way, in the direction of fully worn out, and ruined it.

 

[07flatbed]

Thanks for the excellant information. I guess I'll just have to baby it untill it becomes necessary to replace it. Any recommendations for an aftermarket clutch or should I just stay with the OEM version?

 

[EDankievitch]

There was a re- call on these clutchs dealing with the self adjuster and the DM flywheel if your not too far down the road with miles ..... Though then you'd be stuck with the same dodge junk. I went with a SouthBend kit so far very happy with it give them a call.

 

[AH64ID]

Southbend (SBC) offers a single mass flywheel (SMF) conversion. That's what I would reccommend.

 

[Loren]

Thanks for the excellant information. I guess I'll just have to baby it untill it becomes necessary to replace it. Any recommendations for an aftermarket clutch or should I just stay with the OEM version?

As AH64ID says, Southbend Clutch has an EXCELLENT reputation on these forums. I wouldn't hesitate to buy whatever they recommend for your application.



Keep in mind that they have clutches that engage nicely for stock truck useage and other clutches that are more grabby for sled-pulling competitions. Get some advice from Southbend or your installer before selecting a clutch for your truck.



Good luck,

-- Loren

 

[07flatbed]

As previously stated I got several replies with great advice. Thanks for yours. I am relatively new to TDR and although I have owned several Cummins trucks since 1990 it seems I have found a better source for information on the DCD than I get from my Dealer.

 

[HBarlow]

As previously stated I got several replies with great advice. Thanks for yours. I am relatively new to TDR and although I have owned several Cummins trucks since 1990 it seems I have found a better source for information on the DCD than I get from my Dealer.

Yes, you have learned quickly. The TDR is, in my opinion, the best source of information available anywhere on Dodge-Cummins trucks.