Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Improved version of the Con ofe issues

[DPrew]

I had to replace my Con ofe a while back because it tanked after a year. The newer version has much better stoplight manners but it is a little noisy. The new clutch can be felt and heard vibrating slightly but it's normal according to SB. Apparently, this new version of the Con ofe has firmer engagement . This causes my truck to really want to lurch forward when I let out the clutch out with a heavy load (15K-18k) in tow. No matter how slowly I let out the clutch the engagement is very harsh. I try my best to feather the clutch some but it's a real challenge.

The other day I decided to put my truck in 4 low as I pushed a 16k load up into my driveway. I was pleasantly surprised to see the clutch worked just fine with the lower gear ratio. It looks like the fullpulltowing.com won't work on my 02'. I'm also assuming the fullpulltowing.com products don't work on manual shift transfer cases like I have. I don't want to shell out $3k for a gear vendors underdrive unit. Dropping in some 4:10 gears (3:54 now) might cure this problem as well but there goes the fuel mileage and $1500. This firmer engaging clutch is a real towing problem.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

DPrew,

Have you talked with Peter at SB about this issue? I have the same new style OFE and it is a bit grabbier at take off than the old style OFE but not as bad as you describe. The 4:10's probably wouldn't help much. I know Peter has recommended 3rd gear burn outs before in order to "settle" the clutch, wonder if this would help? Ask Peter.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[DPrew]

I'll give SB a call and see what they say. I had called them after the clutch went in because I thought the clutch vibration was a defect. At the time I hadn't towed anything heavy so I hadn't encountered the shuddering issue.

Thanks

 

[darkhorse]

I've had two ofe's in two different trucks. Neither one was grabbier than the stock clutch. No vibration either. There is a device marketed that allows 2wd low range.

 

[PC12Driver]

The fullpulltowing.com mod (2-low kit) won't work on the 02s because they don't have a central axle disconnect (i. e. the front axle is always locked). Which is too bad, because the 2-low kits really help.



The increased grabbiness of the OFE really gets amplified by the axle wrap from our stock leafspring/liftblock rear suspension. I just put on a set of traction bars that take the wrap out of the equation. I'd say it fixed the problem 80% or so, but sometimes it'll still get a hoppin' if the conditions are right (or wrong, I guess).

 

[DPrew]

I talked to the folks at SB and they gave me some advice that helped. They basically said that I need to engage this new style clutch with a little more rpm's. The old Con ofe clutch could simply be let out slowly in 1st (6 speed) without even pressing the gas pedal. The new clutch has more clamping force and will not allow you to drive the truck the same way anymore.

I only had a little drive time today with my 6K trailer in tow with a 9-10K tracked skid steer loaded. The extra rpm's seemed to help. I've got to pull the trailer again tomorrow so I'll get some more clutch feedback.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Thanks dude! I will try that today with the 13K 5th wheel I am pulling and see what happens.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[DPrew]

More rpm's totally solved the problem . The new clutch engages so abruptly under a heavy load that just letting out the clutch doesn't fly any more. I guess the clutch was over whelming the engine and making it buck before. Feed the engine some more fuel and it handles the new stiffer clutch engagement just fine.

 

[hsmith]

FYI, the Gear Vendors would be of no use starting or backing as they do not engage below 20 mph.

Above that, great though.