Interesting results after heavy duty clutch hydros were installed

[HOBrian]

I have that other thread about the trans not getting into gear and today I installed new hydros from Valair and the truck shifts better now than it did when it was new. The real interesting part is that my normal (since new) rough shift into third gear is completely gone. The truck still has it's original clutch in it too.

 

[AH64ID]

Great news!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Interesting about third gear. My trans/clutch works as good as ever but third has always been just a bit harder to get into. My clutch was installed at low mileage just to keep up with the TST Pmax I used to run and they didn't install or even offer the HD Hyd's. Now I'm wondering if it would make that much of a difference for me and/or am I doing damage or wear the way it is?

 

[Regcabguy]

I always have to hesitate a bit on the 2-3 upshift. My buddy's '07 is the same. Warm,it's a bit better but I got used to it yrs ago.

 

[RBellah]

I installed new hydros from Valair

Which part number did you use? I have a friend with 2004. 5 that may need this update.

 

[HOBrian]

Which part number did you use? I have a friend with 2004. 5 that may need this update.

http://www.xtremediesel.com/valairheavydutyreplacementhydraulicsnmu70hyd-03.aspx

What's interesting is the fact that this system IS adjustable and they don't mention it.

 

[RBellah]

How long does it take to install? Trans does not have to come out does it?

 

[AH64ID]

I installed the upgraded hydro's on my truck in about 15 minutes, maybe 20. There is no need to pull the trans.

 

[HOBrian]

Mine took about an hour and a half!!! My master cylinder had two diaphragms that hung low enough to cause interference when trying to turn the cylinder 1/4 turn! I had a bear of a time trying to get that freaking thing out!! It should take 20 min, but things don't always go my way!!!

 

[South Bend Clutch]

Ours unlike the other brands come as a complete unit with a fully braided line. We added 6" to the line for ease of routing. It includes a new bracket for the firewall, bushing, clip and screws. We also provide a new starter switch pre installed so you don't have to mess with swapping it over. A picture of the unit is at the bottom of the page linked below.



http://www.southbendclutch.com/dodge.html



Peter

 

[South Bend Clutch]

These can also be purchased through Geno's Garage. Let's help to support the TDR where we can.



Peter

 

[Jack in Alaska]

2004. 5 Dodge CTD here. My original clutch has been getting more difficult to use as it the truck ages and the miles (118k) pile up. I used to be able to smoothly shift gears even under a big load, pulling my 5th. whl. Now it is not smooth to the point my wife asks if I forgot how to drive a stick shift. Not a good thing to hear.
I have suspected my hydraulic shifter is heading south and this thread gives me more info in that direction.
Can some of you comment on the improvement using this new VALAIR HD replacement? I would be interested in you results.
I see that South Bend Clutch handles them also. Are they heavy duty also. Price comparison??? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jack

 

[Jack in Alaska]

2004. 5 Dodge CTD here. My original clutch has been getting more difficult to use as it and the truck ages and the miles (118k) pile up. I used to be able to smoothly shift gears even under a big load, pulling my 5th. whl. Now it is not smooth to the point my wife asks if I forgot how to drive a stick shift. Not a good thing to hear.
I have suspected my hydraulic shifter is heading south and this thread gives me more info in that direction.
Can some of you comment on the improvement using this new VALAIR HD replacement? I would be interested in you results.
I see that South Bend Clutch handles them also. Are they heavy duty also. Price comparison??? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jack

 

[HOBrian]

I like it the Valair a lot! It's adjustable which is nice and it is a heavy duty replacement. The pedal feel is not harder than the stock pedal feel. The Valair comes with braided line and works very well. The starter switch isn't hard at all to remove. I did have some issues with the installation on mine, but that was because of fuel isolator being in the way! (my fault) The Valair is less money, but like SBC said their HD unit comes with the starter switch and fire wall mounting bracket, the Valair doesn't. Having said that, for the price you cant beat the Valair IMHO. I got my Valair here http://www.xtremediesel.com/ They are in NJ which was great and they are great to deal with!!!!

 

[Blakers]

I just put a new http://www.southbendclutch.com/newsdd3250.html clutch in my 03 truck, along with the South Bend HD hydraulic upgrade. I had the folks at our local Vo-Tech school do the install, so I wasn't there, but they said it was an easy installation. The clutch works great though I do get a little weird vibration feel in the clutch pedal as I push it down. It doesn't seem to be a problem. Also some vibration below 1200 rpm that I swear was not there before the new clutch, but it seems more load related than rpm related. I don't think it's the clutch causing it. The tin can part on the slave cylinder seems kinda loose, but I suspect that is how it's supposed to be. All in all, I am happy with the clutch and hydraulic system.