Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Clutch slipping (too much power?)

[pgellerstedt]

Okay, I know it's not really possible to have too much power! I am getting a little bit of clutch slippage though... let me explain:

I have had this truck for one week now, its a '94, 2500 4x4 5spd with some performance mods. I am the third owner. The second owner, who is also a TDR member purchased the truck from the guy who did the mods, and was not sure exactly which parts were installed (as in which manufacturer, specs). It has a torque plate from TST which he thought was a # 8. It has 'larger' injectors --not sure how much larger. The turbo has had something done -- maybe a 16cm housing (is there an easy way to tell?). Also a K&N filter. I know it seems a heck of a lot faster than stock. It'll get from about 55-75mph in a heartbeat but I really don't have an idea of the actual hp/torque numbers except that the TST #8 is supposed to give 230hp/605 ft-lbs torque--don't know what the other mods would add?? I've seen a hair over 30psi boost if I put my foot in it going up hill (empty) and max EGTs at@1100F, but only for a short time.

My problem is this: I love the power but I don't really 'need' all of it. I will be hauling very infrequently and my biggest interest is the longevity of the truck. Unfortunately, if I really put my foot down the clutch will start to slip slightly --I've only noticed this a few times and its usually at highway speeds in 5th gear. For the most part I drive the truck very gently so this is not a problem most of the time but it does concern me as replacing clutches and other drivetrain components frequently is not really something that I am looking to get into. Supposedly the current clutch was put in at 80000miles (truck now has 138 k). Have those of you with a similar setup experienced similar problems?? If so what did you do to correct them. Could I slide the TST plate back some to reduce the power a bit (that sounds stupid doesn't it!) assuming that it is currently slid forward. The truck runs great right now and I am a little afraid to mess anything up as this is my first CTD. However, I can't do the obvious and put in a stronger clutch anytime soon as I have to pay the bills! Any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks, Paul

 

[Deezul1]

Usually the 16cm housings dont have a wastegate but not always. The clutch slippage in 5th gear prolly wont be a problem when towing. If you have the same slippage problem I had with my stock clutch, it was always in 4th + 5th with the hammer down and when the boost came up pretty good the clutch would slip. I dynoed 389 HP with that clutch and it didnt slip on the dyno and when towing my TT it didnt slip either. I came to realize the reason why it didnt slip when towing is I dont tow at full throttle.

 

[T. Baker]

You could just not stab it all the way to the floor. Just save the power for acceleration when you need it. If you drive it with resonable care everything will be fine and you woun't have to mess with anything. Watch your egt. and back out of it if you feel any clutch slippage. Be happy that somone else did all the bombing for you.

 

[Ben Rumson]

Mine has slipped too...

but only 3 times now and only with the pedal to the metal (once passing, twice nailing it over the summit) both times the boost was 36 +. I'm guessing there's too much poop for even the new DTT. I'm considering calling Bill K. and purchasing "Torque Converter Saver" - small electronic gadget that locks out the torque convert under dangerous levels thereby protecting the converter.



You may want to post a thread and ask the member for suggestions about a "lock-OUT Switch" or electronic lock-out gadget.