Clutch Time

[SBeretz]

I am getting ready to spend the money to replace my clutch. I have a 163K on my original unit. Truck still runs and moves fine, but the clutch will slip if I am pulling the toy hauler and lay into while climbing if I am in 6th gear. It has a little life left in it, but I wanna get ahead of it.

I don't run much extra for HP, stock tires, pretty happy with the stock clutch for the most part. Never had any issues with it.

I will do the work myself or hopefully with a buddy helping out.

Would you get a clutch from NAPA, DODGE, etc? Where did you all buy your clutches? Want to get a decent price on the unit and not get gouged to badly. Local Dealership is around 700 for the clutch pack and T/) bearing.

Thank you for anything. Hope your all doing well. Truck still runs like a top. It'll be nice to have it back up with a new clutch, then, I plan on running through all the fluids again. Should make another 150K or better without issues. Scotty

 

[jhenderson]

South Bend is the perennial favorite around here, because of their outstanding customer service. Stock seems to have served you well. If you'll never be doing any engine upgrades, stock is fine.

 

[seafish]

Any of the clutch conversions that replace the DMF with a single flywheel will be slightly noisier and perhaps slightly jerkier to engage then the stock LUK clutch. Dodge went with the dual mass flywheel to help reduce NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) that the mighty Cummins ISB enters into the driveline equation.
That being said, the DMF is more prone to catastrophic failure under even light power upgrades, so eliminating it can well be considered a decent reliabilty upgrade. SBC makes solid products with top notch customer service, you cannot go wrong with them, and they liely have a clutch that will readily serve your needs...Call them, explain your trucks usage requirtements, and see what they recommend.

 

[Prairie Dog]

If a stock clutch works fine for you then I would avoid an aftermarket clutch if at all possible. It just isn't worth the jerkiness of something like a SBC if your not trying to hold a bunch of power.

 

[Shadrach]

I have a G56 in my 03 and have a South Bend in it. I did the clutch and transmission conversion at the same time so I never had a DMF. Altho my is a bit grabby when trying to move a trailer a few inches I do like it. Mind you I have manual hubs so I can choose 2WD low for spotting my trailer. David

 

[BDaugherty]

If you got 160k out of the stock clutch, buy another one just like it. Don't cut any corners on the install, do a rear seal while you're there and service the trans while it's on the ground. You should be happy for another hundred and a half.

 

[SBeretz]

Great info. I may save a little more for the Southbend clutch. I don't need to run the truck everyday, so maybe waiting a little longer for the SB clutch is the way to go.

 

[Doubleclutch]

Give Peter at Southbend a call. Really great guy who will give you good info, and let you to choose the way you would like to go. A wealth of knowledge, a phone call away. Greg

 

[Killgore]

Scotty, I went with the SBC G56-OKHD. It is very smooth, can handle power upgrades up to 425 HP and 825 ft. lbs, and yes, it growls a little due to gear rollover. (That is not unpleasant, just the beast talking to me.) My truck is used primarily to pull an 11,000 lb. fifth-wheel.

When I was in Columbus at the CMEP, I bought it direct from South Bend at the National Diesel Drag Races and saved around $300 as a show promotional deal (cash). It came complete with the hydralic kit included.

For a couple of hundred more than what you've been quoted, I would definitely recommend the South Bend. They are everything everybody says concerning good service. You shouldn't have too much trouble catching a promotional deal at one of the shows where they are promoting their products.

Good Luck - Ed

 

[SBeretz]

Thank you Ed. That's the route I'll go. I can wait and save a little more for the SBC. I think with pulling the fifth wheel it'll be money well spent. If it works as well as you all say it does I'll be happy. I'm pretty easy on the clutch so if it lasts as long as the stock clutch has I'll be in good shape.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Definitely get a South Bend. They have a variety of clutches, including one that is heavier duty than stock but just as smooth. Also, the dual mass flywheel wears out, even with stock power. I bet yours is close to that point. Talk to Peter, but he will be in Nevada the end of next week for May Madness, and at a training exercise the beginning of next week. Either call him now, or wait until the week after. He can get you a DMF if you want, but his conversion single mass flywheel is what I would choose, and for stock power, probably the HD organic faced clutch.

 

[SierraRam]

I am a firm believer in Southbend, customer service is great. I run the SDD 3250# and it is a great clutch I am running 450RWHP for this clutch. They will set you up with the best clutch for you truck.

 

[Regcabguy]

Ask to speak to Peter personally. He'll return your call in short order.

 

[SBeretz]

Will do. Thank you all for the info. I'm saving my money now. It shouldn't take too long though. Time is harder to get than money most of the time.

 

[Motorhead]

Scotty, I went with the SBC G56-OKHD. It is very smooth, can handle power upgrades up to 425 HP and 825 ft. lbs, and yes, it growls a little due to gear rollover. (That is not unpleasant, just the beast talking to me.) My truck is used primarily to pull an 11,000 lb. fifth-wheel.

When I was in Columbus at the CMEP, I bought it direct from South Bend at the National Diesel Drag Races and saved around $300 as a show promotional deal (cash). It came complete with the hydralic kit included.


For a couple of hundred more than what you've been quoted, I would definitely recommend the South Bend. They are everything everybody says concerning good service. You shouldn't have too much trouble catching a promotional deal at one of the shows where they are promoting their products.

Good Luck - Ed

I second Killgores recommendation. I have a South Bend Con OFE in my '07 and it has been a good clutch. I have thought about switching to the G56-OKHD for a smother and lighter pedal clutch. Their products are top quality and they STRONGLY stand behind their products.

 

[Prairie Dog]

If you go with SBC, at least get either the all organic (for close to stock power) or one made of kevlar, which has great feel and no wear to the pressure plate.
I can't emphasize enough to avoid the Con/Ofe (unless it's Kevlar now). If it weren't so much work I'd rip it out and toss it in the dumpster.
I absolutely hate this clutch and what it's done to my truck.

Scott

 

[Tuesdak]

If a stock clutch works fine for you then I would avoid an aftermarket clutch if at all possible. It just isn't worth the jerkiness of something like a SBC if your not trying to hold a bunch of power.

I wonder if it is the lining on your clutch or a major problem your clutch has to be so ill mannered? Absolutely advice like yours and their own website had me choose Organic for smoothness even with the hilly grades I will abuse it on.

The new South Bend HD Series all Organic I dropped in my truck is very smooth. Main reason I went with the entire kit is the better pilot bearing design. As big of a job as it is why even mess around with resurfacing the flywheel? My stock clutch had issues and was grabby, slipping, and jerky to the point of randomly killing the engine with a tire chirp. I just decided not to put up with it and changed it out. I am glad I did for both improved feel/manners and not failing down the road just north of "The Middle of Nowhere where cell phones don't work".

 

[AH64ID]

I have an OFE in my truck, and my experience has been the opposite of Prairie Dogs. It's a smooth clutch, and only grabs on very rare occasion in reverse or if I try to start with a load in 2nd. I have a hard time finding anyone with an experience like his, makes me think he was shipped the old dual ceramic that drove as he describes and was discontinued or it has issues.

They being said we put a O-HD in my dads 06 and that clutch is even smoother still, but mainly it's quieter. I run a 415/850 tune so I think I could safely run the O-HD and if I ever need to replace the OFE will go with the O-HD.

 

[MEGATRK]

I am a firm believer in Southbend, customer service is great. I run the SDD 3250# and it is a great clutch I am running 450RWHP for this clutch. They will set you up with the best clutch for you truck.

SierraRam, how do you like the SDD? What are your thoughts on it? How much noisier than stock is it? Driving or sitting at idle? Does it feel any differently than stock when shifting? I'm debating between the SDD and the G56-OH-DK single disc.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I installed a South Bend CON OFE in my 2001 Dodge. Worked great, as smooth as the stock clutch and held LOTS of power towing heavy in the hills.