Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) ?? for those that have upgraded their own clutch (NV4500)

[FreeBMW]

I am in need of a clutch replacement (#10 plate taking its toll)



I was wondering.....



Those of you that have replaced your clutch yourself:

What brand did you replace with?

How hard was it?

Any special tools needed?

How long did it take?

Is a floor jack acceptable to rasise/lower trans?

What is a fair price to pay a dealer/shop?



Anyone in the Detroit, MI area that has done this willing to come help... .





Thanks

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

Rob Thomas is in your area. He has done his share of clutch work.

Shoot him a PM.



Dan

 

[mikel]

Let me start by saying that I have not changed the clutch in the truck that I have now.



I had a 2001 HO and changed the clutch in that (actually twice, but that's a different story). Based on that experience I will be going with a southbend con-o or con-ofe in this truck depending on where I plan to stop with horsepower.



Changing out the clutch on these trucks is not hard, pay attention to how things come apart and it's not too big of a deal.



Plan 6-8 hours for the R&R, allow for time to take the flywheel somewhere and get it turned.



No real "special" tools needed, a concrete floor and a transmission jack are real nice to have around though. I'd call them a requirement if you are planning to do it yourself with no help. I know the 5-speed boxes are smaller and lighter, but I got a ~$60 transmission jack from harbor Freight that did just fine on my other truck so for that small of an investment I'd recommend it.



I was quoted anywhere from $250 to $685 just for the R&R, but I have no idea if either one of those is a "fair" price.



Good luck,

Mike

 

[bighammer]

I rented a trans jack for $20 for the weekend. Best money I ever spent. It took me a whole weekend, but it was not continuous work. Lots of interuptions.



I put in a South Bend Con O in my 94.



DO NOT SPREAD THE FRAME RAILS to get the trans crossmember out. Just raise it a bit and it slides right out. The trans and transfer case can come out together, but it's tight. You almost have to put them in separately because of size and weight, so you might as well pull them out separately.

 

[FreeBMW]

I just ordered a SBC con ofe 13 inch from Mark @ PDR.





Anyone local (MI) that has done this want to come help this weekend??? If not I may just pay the local dealer to do it... they want $500-600.





if you are interested in helping I will buy food/drink/bandaids





you can email me @ -- email address removed --

 

[C. Harlan]

I have done it 3 times...

When I had a 5 speed... Go with the CON OFE, and talk to Peter @ Southbend Clutch... He knows his stuff, and can get you set up with the right stuff. .



-Chris-

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

Not sure I would use the dealer. Find a local transmission shop. They would be cheaper. The shop I used only charged me $300, had it done in one day, and then told me my clutch had been slipping in 4th and 5th gear. I said, "Yeah, I know".



Jim

 

[Garry Verheyden]

Clayton,

I used the LUK Pro Gold series clutch with over 400hp towing a 15K 5th wheel for two years with no problems. I previously used the LUK full ceramic clutch which was undriveable and I snapped my input shaft while towing my 5er up a long hill. The Pro gold series is a dual friction clutch with little chatter. It will hold fine ABOVE 2000 rpm. Don't hammer it while towing at below 2000 rpm, it can still slip there. I drag raced lots, dropping the clutch at above 2000 rpm and slamming it into 3rd and breaking the 35" tires loose on dry pavement. It held fine. Best of all it is affordable at $418 for clutch/disc/allignment tool/pilot bearing/ and spare pilot bushing for those who prefer.

I replaced it a couple of times with a floor jack in 4-6hrs with no problem. ( make sure you get the flywheel ground by a good shop)

Garry.

 

[Deezul1]

Been there with a LUK Pro Gold and shortly thereafter replaced it with a CON O which worked great except my bad habit keeps popping up (horsepower junkie) Go with a SBC Con OFE as its good to 525 HP. Definitely not a hydraulic jack, get a trans jack.

Around here I got a lot of $300 quotes and a couple for $175. The dealer is gonna stick it to ya.

 

[GUpton]

Centerforce

I replaced mine with a centerforce. I used a floor jack and two buddies. The hardest thing was finding a clutch allignment tool. I ended getting an old input shaft from a transmission rebuilder... took me a day of labor and beer... The centerforce dual friction has worked well for the last 40K miles towing a 10K weekend warrior.....

 

[BWilson]

Sent you PM. I'll be close this weekend if you run into problems.

 

[BPINE]

The Southbend Clutch comes with an alignment tool and that is all the special tools you will need. Buy the CON OFE and have fun.

 

[Boomer II]

I've got a Centerforce, works good but the pedal pressure is pretty stiff, I'd go Southbend if I had it to do over.

 

[dieselburner]

I originally installed a centerforce but it only lasted one year and I ripped the center out of it (go figure). I then put in a McCloud twin disc and it lasted about a year and then I broke my input shaft which wiped out the discs. I called up George at McCloud and he mad me up a couple new discs and I have been running them about 2 years with no problems. The truck is making buku horses don't know how much and no slippage with these discs.



Steve