G56 replacement CLUTCH kit/assembly recs

[WarEagleDiesel]

2009 - 6. 7 with the G56 transmission

My clutch is on its last leg, need to replace very soon. My post is with regard to clutch replacement suggestions. I do not tow very often, but when I do, I tow 13,000 lbs. worth of tractor and trailer, or , 10,000lbs of Air Stream. Currently, my 6. 7 is completely stock and have 76,000 miles (when the warranty has expired, I plan to tinker). I would like to upgrade from the stock clutch to something a little more durable with a little more bite when engaged. Anyone out there have any recommendations? I plan to replace the entire clutch assembly (and even thought of getting rid of the DMF in exchange for SMF). Therefore, I would like to see suggestions for both options below:



1. Suitable, aftermarket, replacement clutch kits/assemblies compatible with the dual mass flywheel

​

Note: I called the dealer for OEM parts and they said that ALL G56 clutch kits are on back order because there is some problem with fit up due to improper machining of some

​

parts in the kit. Go figure!



2. Clutch kits/assemblies converting from DMF to SMF



I have been reading a lot about SMF conversions and gear rattle and such. I am sure some of you transmission guys here on TDR have made the transition. Does anyone care to share their experience and compare the DMF to the SMF?



I found an article in TDR Issue 68 regarding South Bend Clutch’s SMF transition, but I must get my TDR back issues out and see if I have all of the Issues/articles referenced. In the mean time, any advice would be appreciated.



Thank you for your time folks!



BH

 

[RHestand]

About four years ago I bought and installed SBC's full change over package. Disk/P. P. , SMF, Clutch Master Cyl. and Throw-out Bearing for my 06 Ram 4x4, G-56, QC. (I had smoked my stock clutch hot-rodding around with my Smarty set too high. )
The new clutch worked great and I was very happy with everything except the harmonic drive-train sounds. I had previously installed a Fluidamper, so I don't know whether that helped with the noise or not. You had to keep the RPM substantially higher than with the stock setup (Like when slowing and turning a corner, I would have to drop a full lower gear than with the stock setup. ) or else you'd get the big noise. This was something I could live with but I was disappointed about it, and my wife never got the hang of it, I'm sorry to say. We also pull an Airstream Trailer (31') among other things.
After a year or so I decided I wanted a dually so I found and bought my current truck, a 98 3500, QC, 4x4, 12 valve.
The guy that bought my 06 called me after a month or so asking about the noise and I told it was due to the SMF just like I told him before he bought it. He said it didn't bother him that much at first, but now it was getting on his nerves and he was thinking about going back to the DMF?? That was the last time I talked to him, so I don't know what he ended up doing.
IMHO, if you can't take the harmonic noise you'll have to stay with the crappy DMF, or do like me and buy a truck with an auto trans. That big torque converter, full of oil, does a great job absorbing all those Cummins Diesel vibrations, and I never thought I'd ever be recommending an AT to anybody!
I would recommend now, if possible, you find someone with the SMF setup in their truck and take it for a test drive, then you'll know. Obviously there are a lot of guys that don't mind or know how to deal with this harmonic noise situation.
Good Luck, Ray

 

[EMAC2]

If you go to www.carbonitecummins.com John has a great write up on his similar install. Might want to check it out... .

 

[EMAC2]

I've heard the noise, and honestly it's not much different than any other truck I drove in the Army. It is way louder with a single than the DMF though, so it's what you can stand. Some folks don't want to hear turbo whistle, others do. The earlier recomendation of driving one to hear the sound is probably the best answer.

The one thing for sure is you will get greater pulling power with aftermarket.....

 

[NIsaacs]

2009 - 6. 7 with the G56 transmission

My clutch is on its last leg, need to replace very soon. Currently, my 6. 7 is completely stock and have 76,000 miles (when the warranty has expired, I plan to tinker).





I think this answers your question. You can go with a light duty disk and SMF that will hold/last better than your OEM and only be slightly more noisy. My '01 went 210,000 miles with my mods and never slipped with the stock clutch. If you go with a heavy duty disk and SMF, then , yes they do growl but hold more power.



Nick

 

[Regcabguy]

Southbend has a Con O HD all organic good to 425 hp. It's way more clutch than you've had up to this point. The transmission noise with the smf is why the Dodge engineers supplied the truck with a dmf. Crawling through parking lots is what bugs me the most. Highway sound is the same with mine. My Fluidamper did nothing to decrease the gear noise.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I installed a South Bend kit in a customers 09 5500. He is VERY happy with the upgrade, no negitive comments at all.

 

[Shadrach]

I have the SouthBend Con OFE clutch, flywheel and hyd kit in my truck. It is a bit grabby if you want to back up a just few inches like when parking your trailer. I do have manual hubs which takes care of that problem as I now can use 2WD low. I like the clutch overall. Shad