Limping back to Maine - time to replace clutch and ... any suggestions?

[truckmen]

Hello all,

I'm hauling this load up to new York and then on to Maine.

It's time for a clutch replacement. The throwout bearing is screaming at me and since I'm going to do it, may as well replace the clutch.

So, may i ask you all your suggestions for the replacement parts?

This is Ram 3500 registered for 38,000 GVW and I run 48 states usually over 36,000 lbs gross
I'm running the 6.7 with the G56 and 3.73 rears. DRW drive with no real modifications.

1) Who's parts would you go with?
I am looking at Phoenix Friction:
http://www.phoenixfriction.com/p-41...4500-5500-g56-6-speed-transmission-13-in.aspx

and:
South Bend Clutch:
http://www.southbendclutch.com/ecommerce/SDD3250-G-ORG.cfm?item_id=11061

and:
Valair at:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/vai-nmu70g56-hd/applications/?ibanner=SREPD2
But this one is the dual mass direct replacement

2) Would you go dual mass or solid flywheel?
I think I am leaning towards the solid flywheel.

3) would go with organic or kevlar, etc?
I don't want too difficult a pedal as I sometimes get caught up in traffic and/or after 700+ miles in a given day, that may involve many, many clutch applications

Now, how big a job is this to do? can anyone offer some tips and/or pointers for getting through this? I have a shop and should have all tools and equipment for the job.

I also believe I have a bad synchro in 6th gear but that's for another post.

Ralph

 

[Newsa]

Is this a 2013? Not seeing a signature.

 

[NIsaacs]

Are you on your original clutch? If so, 200k miles is good service, you may want to stay with it. Make sure that the new throwout bearing is Timken.

Nick

 

[jgillott]

I would give South Bend Clutch a call and discuss your application with them. I've been using their products for well over 10 years and have been very pleased with their customer service and support.

 

[truckmen]

Is this a 2013? Not seeing a signature.

Hey Newsa,

It's a 2014

 

[truckmen]

Are you on your original clutch? If so, 200k miles is good service, you may want to stay with it. Make sure that the new throwout bearing is Timken.

Nick

Hi Nick,

Yes, this IS the original one.
Thanks for the tip on the Timken. I will check on that.

 

[truckmen]

I would give South Bend Clutch a call and discuss your application with them. I've been using their products for well over 10 years and have been very pleased with their customer service and support.

Good morning J,

Thanks. I think I'll get with them on Monday.

 

[Newsa]

When we saw Tex_03 had a similar transmission problem. (Popping into neutral), we thought it was a rare thing and a warranty fix. His is under warranty. But it appears it is also a wear problem.

You got pretty good service out of yours. It's not uncommon to need a transmission rebuild every 200k pulling max weights (or nearly so)


I was wondering if yours was a 2012 with the old frame. That's why I asked

 

[Jared Herzog]

I currently have the Aisin. On my last g56 i went with the south bend double disc with upgraded hydraulics and ditched the dual mass flywheel. If i was to buy a clutch today it would not have the dual mass flywheel and it would be south bend or valair.
Do not fear the added clutch pressure of a heavy duty double disc even while in traffic. My wife is 5'4" and 110 pounds and she had no trouble shifting that truck. She was more worried about the size of the truck and unbothered by the clutch effort required to shift.
If you have someone nearby with an aftermarket clutch maybe they will let you try it out. And i agree if yours went and was still the stocker it did well for you.
Good luck with your decision. I am sure what you decide will be fine.

 

[truckmen]

Thanks, guys.

I'll be doing this job as soon as I get back and will take lots of pictures.

 

[jhenderson]

Check with Peter at South Bend. I believe they've sourced a better throw out bearing. Being a hydraulic clutch, it has no free play its always in contact and spinning. It has no grease fitting and has shown itself in my previous truck to be the weak link. I had 385,000 miles, one disc failure, 3 release bearing failures.

 

[truckmen]

Check with Peter at South Bend. I believe they've sourced a better throw out bearing. Being a hydraulic clutch, it has no free play its always in contact and spinning. It has no grease fitting and has shown itself in my previous truck to be the weak link. I had 385,000 miles, one disc failure, 3 release bearing failures.

Thanks.
It looks like I may be doing this job in a parking lot in Niagara Falls, NY.
The throw out bearing just completely let go at 1 am while pulling into a dealership to pick up one more car for Maine.

Might anyone have the phone number for South Bend?

Ralph

 

[NIsaacs]

Here is a link: http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0SO8wQh9.1Zwk8AREpXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEycDB2aXZrBGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDVUkyQzNfMQRzZWMDc3I-/RV=2/RE=1508796322/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.southbendclutch.com%2f/RK=1/RS=CW4ojHVMWtVJO6kVm4vavEGBELY-

Nick

 

[Beast2B]

South Bend Clutch, Inc.
709 W. Jefferson Blvd
Mishawaka, IN 46545

Phone: (574) 256-5064
Toll Free: (800) 988-4345
Fax: (574) 256-2568

 

[truckmen]

South Bend Clutch, Inc.
709 W. Jefferson Blvd
Mishawaka, IN 46545

Phone: (574) 256-5064
Toll Free: (800) 988-4345
Fax: (574) 256-2568

Oh wow! Thanks, guys.
Calling right now ... the pucker factor is pretty high. I think I am going to be a little late on delivery.

Ralph.

 

[Jared Herzog]

If you can not get it installed in a parking lot i think i paid $400 to have mine installed and it took less than a day. It was installed at one of the best transmission shops in Texas.
If you do it in a parking lot make sure to have all the tools ready. It is not a hard job and hopefully you can slide the trans back instead of dragging it out from under the truck on your back. I fear that you need more than a clutch at this point. Someone needs to get into that transmission and see what is going on with sixth. Maybe just grab a cheap clutch from a parts shop to get home then take it out again.
If you were in Texas i would find the parking lot you are in and give you a hand. Good luck.

 

[Killer223]

make sure you read how to take the stock clutch out, you need a baring tool, you have to access the bolts from the side of the housing, it's not like normal where you can just pull the trans back.
That said you want to stay single disk, i'd go with an OFE.

 

[Regcabguy]

That new organic DD sounds good. SBC is sourcing their throwout bearing from the US thanks to member Motorhead who found one that fits.

 

[truckmen]

Good evening all,

This is an update:

I've made it back to Maine needless to say very, very carefully.

Was actually able to deliver all the cars that I had on the trailer.

I've also pulled the trigger on a South Bend, dual disk, solid flywheel clutch kit SDD-3250-GK-ORG. After consulting with greg at SBC over the phone this is what we are going with. I've also ordered a barring tool and a new heavy duty, cast-iron input shaft retainer. All items will probably be in by next Tuesday.

I am planning to take a lot of photos of the work as well.

Ralph