ETH Clutch... Who's Is Best?

[Evan A. Beck]

Hey guys, my stock clutch is getting pretty thrashed, and I am in need of a high-quality unit to get all my power to the ground. I estimate only 70% of my power is getting to ground where it counts. So my question is:

--Who is making clutches for the ETH?
--How much power are they holding?
--Is flywheel resurfacing needed?
--Any shuddering or chatter issues?
--Price?

I expect my stock clutch has only a small amount of life left. #ad
Maybe only a couple months. So getting a good clutch is my priority before the HX40, exhaust, etc.

Let's TRY to stay on topic this time.

 

[abledog]

I can't answer the first two parts of your question but the answer to the third will depends on what shape your flywheel is in. If the surface of the flywheel is covered with little blue colored marks these are called heat checks and if you don't grind the flywheel they will cause you problems!!!
If you are going to spend the money to replace the clutch do it right the first time. Have the flywheel resurfaced and install a new clutck disk,pressure plate,throwout and pilot bearing.
Terry

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Yeah, I was thinking of doing that anyways. Better safe than sorry. I replaced a clutch on a '96 last week, and the flywheel was toasted. Lots of little cracks. But the funny thing is, the truck had stock power, and only 80K on it. Driving style has a lot to do with it.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Evan, you may consider Joe Donnelly's modified Sachs clutch. Briar Hopper had one installed by Dave Mitchell lately so you may contact him about it: JDE Sachs Install--Products Forum
I think I'd go that way before getting the McLeod--great clutch but too much potential for driveline vibes and noise, more likely to show up on a lighter 2wd versus 4x4.

Hope you get hooked up with something soon so we can go for a faster ride next time #ad
Pretty impressive ride yesterday even with a slippy clutch though #ad


Vaughn

 

[Evan A. Beck]

The Sachs is lookin' pretty good, I will contact some fellas that have it in already. I think I am only getting like 70% of my power to the ground... *LOL* 95 happened fast though, even with my clutch that is posing for a TC! #ad

 

[Bart Timothy]

I guess every clutch has its strengths and weaknesses but in my mind Joe's Sachs is head and shoulders above the rest in terms of quality, strength, and probably holding power. Look at the clutches side by side and you'll see what I mean. Joe definately knows his stuff. Talk to him about the details.

Have had mine installed for over 2 months and 4000 miles on my ETH/DEE. I like it more each day.

 

[Bigsaint]

My McLeod dual disk street is going in on Wednesday, I'll post my first impression as soon as I have the truck back. I was riding the fence on Joe D's or the McLeod and decided on the Mcleod after speaking to several members that have same on the ETH (not knocking Joe D. , sure his is more user friendly, after reading countless posts on the TDR). I did check out several other manufactures, and it seems that more ETH clutches are in the works,i. e, Centerforce.
The Luk Pro Gold seems a little weak for serious bombers. As for holding power, the Mcleod is tested by JVD (where I purchased) at 800 ft. lbs. torque, before they ship. I have little doubt that it will hold alot more. The McLeod came with it's own flywheel and weighs in at around 100 Lbs. (wow). The Mcleod is known to have chatter issues at idle and when in 5th gear on the ETH (again, I'll post when I get it). The price on the McLeod, from JVD, with shipping and a new T/O bearing, was about $1200. 00 + (OUCH).

Evan, I know that you are head and shoulders above me in the field of diesel knowledge, just thought I'd add my 2 cents as a new diesel owner and happy to say proud member of the TDR. Hope this helps in your decision.

Scott W.



[This message has been edited by Bigsaint (edited 01-30-2001). ]

 

[HeberRam]

Evan... Considering price, ease on install, stock like performance, holding power, I recommend South Bends. . Call peter at South Bend and get all the info about clutches you will ever want to know 800-988-4345.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Thanks a lot guys! #ad
I am going to make a few calls, and hopefully I will be BOMBed with a new clutch soon. Then my goal of 450 can be back in sight! #ad

 

[David_VT]

Good luck Evan! I finally ordered Joe's clutch after riding the fence on the Mcl since last summer.

Can't wait to get the clutch in and then the snow to melt so the 'journey can continue'!!

David

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99' SB 4x4 : DDI's, HOT PE, SPA dual gauge, ESPAR, Line-X OTR, Ladder bars, AMSOIL, etc (GPS,Cell,CB,... . )
Green Monster

 

[Amianthus]

I have to say that I love my McLeod!
I have nothing but good things to say about Joe D. and his reputation and knowledge of clutches is unsurpassed. And I am sure he has a VERY GOOD product. And he has the patience to explain things to the uninformed, such as myself. I only went with the McLeod because I got a great price on the unit and couldn't pass it up. I hope this helps out your situation.

 

[Steve Campbell]

Evan, did you read Bill K's article in issue 31 on this very topic? He had some very interesting insight(as usual)!

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1999 Qcab 4x4 Driftwood
Steve

 

[OO]

Any more details on this new clutch from Joe?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

See the product forum, Sachs vs. Dynojet #ad