Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Do I need a 1-3/8 input shaft?

[TurboSandman]

I have searched the forums and am still on the fence. I have decided on a SBC MU 13 Con OFE as my stock clutch is crying uncle, but should I upgrade the input shaft also? Some posts I turned up report broken shafts with no extreme activities, making me wonder if it might be a good idea in order to enhance reliability.



I have a #10 plate and 370's and will install a 4K GSK at clutch time. I would like to go to a larger single turbo at around 50 psi with studs and probably o-ringed head, but that may take some time.



I will do occasional towing, no drag drag racing or sled pulling, but want the HP enhancements for daily driving. Woody at SBC doesn't think I need the input shaft but some friends (sled pullers) think I am crazy not to while I have the transmission out.



What breaks the stock input shaft, the HP enhancements or the 4,000 RPM clutch dumps in 3rd gear/4WD? Am I basically OK with the stock shaft as long as I drive my age (where's the fun in that)?

 

[FordCummins]

Might as well do it while you have the unit apart. Its better to know that the strength is there, then to not have it, and need it one day.

 

[wildmanben]

I wouldnt go with the input upgrade until you get a dual disc clutch. Your OFE will slip long before your shaft will break.

 

[boondock]

3rd gear drops could put a hurting on your shaft thats for sure!! I didn't change mine out but if you have the $$ you might as well I guess. I didn't have $800 to put a shaft in with my OFE.

Peter told me they are going to stop making the FE due to the grabiness of the clutch. And that the updated OFE will hold as much as the FE.

 

[KHelfrich]

i would do the shaft cause eventually you will my friend just snapped off his with just 370's and #10 and he just had a luk clutch but it was one of there stronger clutches



from what i can tell with peter at SBC only wants to sell you the bare minium that you need so when you upgrade to more power you have to buy another clutch even when i tole him i was going to be putting twins on my truck he still wanted me to get a single disk clutch which is bull i think peters selling you the minium so he can sell you another clutch in a few months to a year when you add more power is a poor business strategy thats why went with a clutch from Powerpartsengineering.com

 

[Got Smoke?]

i would do the shaft cause eventually you will my friend just snapped off his with just 370's and #10 and he just had a luk clutch but it was one of there stronger clutches



from what i can tell with peter at SBC only wants to sell you the bare minium that you need so when you upgrade to more power you have to buy another clutch even when i tole him i was going to be putting twins on my truck he still wanted me to get a single disk clutch which is bull i think peters selling you the minium so he can sell you another clutch in a few months to a year when you add more power is a poor business strategy thats why went with a clutch from Powerpartsengineering.com

I've witnessed and heard more stories of Peter upgrading people to the next size clutch with no extra money, or just the difference between what they have and what they get than I have the story your telling.



TurboSandman..... I had a 97 (215HP pump) 2500 for 2. 5 years that I bet the snot out of with 370's, #10, & 3K GSK and never had any probs with the stock input. I think you can get by without it as long as you don't try 3K RPM side steps all the time.



I've know Peter for a few years, and discussed several different setups with him on different occasions. Before I got hooked into sled pulling and was still with single disk clutches Peter always tried to sell me only as much clutch as a I needed never "too much". He's very well known for that.

 

[JGheen]

I would say do it as i am in the midst of going to a double disk and the larger input shaft. I wished I had done all this before when I had the trans out the last time and I am kicking myself for not doing it. Then I wouldn't have to spend all this money now which could have been used for other things. :{



I agree with FordCummins, it's better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it. JMHO



Joe

 

[TurboSandman]

Well, it's YES, NO, PROBABLY, YES, NO, YES; I am leaning towards doing it since most of the suppliers discount the input shaft with the purchase of a clutch. Thanks for all the advice.



Steve

 

[Forrest]

i would do the shaft cause eventually you will my friend just snapped off his with just 370's and #10 and he just had a luk clutch but it was one of there stronger clutches



from what i can tell with peter at SBC only wants to sell you the bare minium that you need so when you upgrade to more power you have to buy another clutch even when i tole him i was going to be putting twins on my truck he still wanted me to get a single disk clutch which is bull i think peters selling you the minium so he can sell you another clutch in a few months to a year when you add more power is a poor business strategy thats why went with a clutch from Powerpartsengineering.com

Did you get the McLeod?

 

[Turbo Thom]

It's really no need, unless you're pulling a sled. I tow 15K lbs and have been for 10 years and still on the OEM shaft. I'm about 310 HP.

 

[TJarecke]

There is an input shaft for cheap on the DTR classifieds. If you are on the fence it may be time to decide. It is priced about 1/2 of retail if it is still for sale.