Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) clutch wear

[ram2nv]

Would like to know if there is an EASY way to inspect the clutch and pressure plate while in the truck. '96 2500 LWB 4X4 5sp. I have a 127k's on the factory clutch and pressure plate. Everything is working great, just getting a little worrried about it,with the miles and years. Thank you, Perry.

 

[JGheen]

I'd say its about time to change it out for an aftermarket SBC or something to that effect. Your lucky to get that many miles out of the factory clutch. I only got 80,000 out of mine when the throw out bearing seized and got me stranded out in the middle of nowhere. Changed it out to a Centerforce Dual Friction since I didn't have the $$ for an SBC.

About the inspection, without dropping the transmission, I don't see a way of checking the wear without doing that. It's just one of those things. I suppose you could try to look at it through the grove at the bottom of the bellhousing with a flashlight, but even that is almost impossible to get a good look through.

 

[JThomas]

I changed mine out at 126. 000, and I tow a 5th wheel. Had to fix the transmission 5th gear problem, so why not. Clutch probably had 25k left on it. No way to inspect. Factory engineering screw-up. Next time mine comes out, it will get an inspection hole in the housing. I do take it as easy as possible on the clutch.

Good luck!

 

[SRadke]

My clutch (in my 96) got replaced at 125k because I had to fix the fifth gear problem but it was still 50%. My guess is the friction would have lasted longer than the throwout bearing. No way to check it.



-Scott

 

[Grey Wolf]

I was told by a mechanic, when I first started driving, to rev up the engine put it direct and let out the clutch. If it stalled out the clutch was still serviceable, if it didn't it was slipping and needed to come out.



I just changed out my OEM with 278,000 miles and it still had some life in it, however I had to change the crank seal and decided I didn't want to pull everything apart again..... too much work