Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Luk Clutch

[snidley1]

Looking at clutches because my stock one doesn't like the comp box even with the wire not tapped. I do have a small set of injectors though Jammer 1"s

Just wondering If anyoune was running a Luk clutch ?? Called about one today

and they were about $300 dollars cheaper then the southbend!! Thats alot on my budget!!!!! I not plannig on anymore power mods. Just wondering if the Luk would work for me . Thanks in advance . Oh yeah I still Have to pull

some and back some trailer with this thing.

 

[Sea01Cummer]

I am running a LUK, i have ran a luk in my last 2 trucks and never had a problem. I'm sure you will get hammered here on to buy a SBC but i just didn't have the extra cash for a SBC. Make sure when you get a LUK get the proper hp rated one. I got mine from 6 states distributers in Boise Id( guy's name is Don). Have the flywheel surfaced and break it in correct.



Steve

 

[OPoole]

South Bend Clutches are 15% off right from all distributors that may help?

 

[Jed]

There are differences.



One thing to remember is that South Bend Clutches use Luk Parts in their clutch. That is a good thing since your truck came new with a Luk.



Both manufacturers have several models depending on your hp. levels.



I Remember that the consensus from a long thread on this subject was the Luk cerrametalic like I have is harder on the flywheel and can chew it up over time in high hp. applications. Also the engagement is stiff when it grabs it sticks it is hard to slip for driving in traffic i got used to it so it is not a problem.



The South Bend is a good product and it is easer in flywheel in most applications. The one I drove was easy to engage and it would slip a bit on takeoff if you wanted. The South Bend line has a bit more to choose from.



I went with a Luk because my local supplier had it in stock the price was good and he reccomended it over other products and I got it the day I ordered it.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

At least in my '02, LUK was the OEM clutch supplier for Chrysler - and even SBC was using the LUK hardware as the base platform on their aftermarket clutch upgrades.



I've been using the LUK Cerametallic in my truck for over 2 years - it's a very positive and durable clutch, has never slipped in any situation with the mods listed in my sig, truck is used mostly in RV towing service.



SBC makes excellent stuff, stands behind their stuff, and has a large and vocal following - but if $$$ is a big concern for you, the LUK is an excellent alternative.

 

[Smokin_Monster]

I have been running the Luk Pro Gold for the past 3 years including sled pulling and it has put up with all my abuse. It doesn't really like to sledpull very well. I've smoked it pretty good a few times. But I drive over 400 miles a day and occasionally pull a trailer and it still works great. The pedal is a little stiff but I got used to it. But I do have a SBC DD on the way for sledpulling so I can be nicer to my Luk. For the price I don't think you could find a better clutch.

 

[jkidd]

I was told that SBC clutches come modified from the factory at 50% life because the linkages or something are changed. I obviously don't know what I am talking about. hoping that someone else does, as i am looking for a clutch also.



the LUK cerametallic is supposed to be the the SBC FE--- on or off, no slipping. I plan to be 200HP over stock, and have been reccommended the SBC CON-OFE.



I tow Travel traiers 40% of the time.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

the LUK cerametallic is supposed to be the the SBC FE--- on or off, no slipping.

Well, all I can speak for is my own, and it will slip into engagement as it is applied - just not as much as a conventional disc. There is frequently a price to be paid for a durable, positive clutch, and the relatively minor operator adjustment to the characteristics of the LUK Cerametallic was pretty well worth the lower cost, at least in my opinion.

 

[RedSmoke]

You'll find that unless you're running a significant amount of torque, the LuK part will give you many more miles with a better clutch feel. The SBC clutches are well-made and serve their purpose - but unless your purpose is to transfer 1400 ft-lbs of torque, stick with the Luk.

 

[Steve Campbell]

South Bend Clutch

If I remember correctly... . the SBC that I installed. . (I do not remember what model it was, kind of the low HP end of the spectrum)... had "organic" material on the flywheel side and "ceramic" on the pressure plate side, thereby limiting the damage to the flywheel.



Steve

 

[Supermod56]

Steve-

That would be the Con-OFE, the feramic side goes toward the flywheel, eventually it will wear on it a little, but not as bad as a ceramic face. They are good for 1K torque. The Luk is a good clutch for the money, I was going to do the Pro-Gold, but I went with the SBC cause I got a great deal on the whole conversion package from a guy on TDR. I like the soft pedal due to the pressure plate design, it has to be easier on the hydraulics.



Tom

 

[JHansen]

I had a Con-OFE installed in my truck approx. 3. 5 years ago when the stocker couldn't keep up to my mods anymore. Clutch worked good-pedal was lighter than the stocker-I was quite happy with it. Unfortunately I blew it up a year ago trying to pull a stuck set of B-trains on New Year's Eve... . slipped it badly and a month later the springs in the pressure plate gave out. I needed my truck back badly (it is used for work) and all I could get was a Luk Cerametallic-grudingly I had it installed. Went to pick the truck up-figured the mechanic must have failed to put fluid in the clutch master or something as the pedal was so light! It is grabbier than the OFE which is mitigated somewhat by the weight of the truck (generally between 8000-8500 lbs. ) but so far it has done everything I asked it to.



I liked my South Bend-and I know Peter's stuff has not stood still either over the last 3. 5 years. His customer service is top-notch as are his products-if I had not been so pressed for time I would never have considered the Luk-even as it was I had to do a lot of soul-searching to go that way. But so far it has turned out to be a good product.



HTH

Jason

 

[snidley1]

Thanks for all the reply's to the post. I think I will go with the LUK. This site sure has helped Keep me from flying blind!!!

 

[Cummins724]

Luk 13" upgrade in my 99 for past year & I tow daily 450hp & 1150lbft never spun it once. I"ve also pulled sleds with it, but make sure when you install it that you put the washers on the bolts that come with the kit. My friend didn't use the washers & lost his clutch.