Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) luk clutches ? how they hold up

[Bud's]

i see that luk has new clutches that are rated at 400 and 1100 has any one used these ? do they hold up ? and how doe they feel

we have some issues with the brand we have been using for the past few years and its clear as a bell thats its a product issue and its costing me $$$$$$$ i use luk in alot of cars but have not used them in a dodge truck for many years any input would be great full .

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

SAD to say, this will probably be another thread that quickly turns into a SBC cheering section (YEAH, the SBC stuff is good, but that's NOT what THIS thread is about guys, so maybe lay off?)



All that said, I can only judge what LUK offers by the totally satisfactory results to date with their Cerametallic I have had. If you do choose to go with one of their other clutches, some pictures of the disc would be nice for reference.



The more highly rated clutches in terms of power sometimes display a tendency to be more positive and will sometimes chatter - yeah, even that "other" brand does too... But, the improved holding ability certainly can make up for the more aggressive nature of the stronger clutches, regardless of brand, and they usually will also place more wear on the flywheel and pressure plate as well, so be prepared.



Personally, and based upon my own experience with their stuff for 30K miles in RV towing use, I'd buy one again - if you go for one, be sure to let us know what you think of it...

 

[Cummins724]

I've been running the cerametallic 13" kit in mine & think it is a good clutch. I recently changed my engine due to a cracked 53 block. The luk clutch/pressure plate looks good after 30k, but the flywheel had a groove worn into it. I'd say it was about . 010 to . 015 deep, but I didn't check it with a gauge. I tow 15-18k daily & expected more wear than that with the performance mods that I have. The clutches are a little grabby, but you get used to it.

 

[radcam]

LUK ProGold

I'm using a LUK ProGold behind a basically stock (except for the mods in my sig. ). 180hp 12v. I only have about 1,200 miles on it so far, none towing. The clutch works well at my power levels, but as I up the power level I'm sure I'll have to upgrade the clutch at some point.



Cam

 

[Timebomb]

I had a Luk Pro Gold behind my P pumped 1st gen. I made 400hp and 900ftlbs, I beat the tar out of that drivetrain and never had an issue. Great clutch. I think they are the largest manufacurer of OEM clutches as well.

 

[jelag]

Luk makes both a Rep Kit and the Pro Gold... . the rep kit is a stock replacement unit and might be the exact clutch that was installed at the factory... if there have been upgrades than the rep kit will have it... . their pro gold is an upgrade from their rep kit... and is usually better friction, and a little higher plate load... usually the same bearings,... .



We think either is a fine unit... .



Let me say that I don't offer clutches here..... and don't try or wish to compete with SBC... . I knew Peter and Andys dad... we went back years... . their father was one of nicest men I've met in this industry... . he is no longer alive... . and I try to avoid the boys if and when they come to any of the association stuff..... So I agree with Gary on this one... ... . 100%... ...



I don't think Luk is the largest manufacurer of OEM clutches... . I know there are 2 very quiet players that only build OEM stuff that are larger... . but neither will talk about their market share... . I have been to one of the plants owned by one of these companies... thats why I make this comment... . we have sold a lot of Luk stuff... . and have no problems.....



Thats my thoughts..... BTW there are others besides LUK that I think are just as good... . but LUK always has good pricing.....

 

[MHagen]

Ive broken 2 luk clutches within 55000 miles. im not impressed with how they are stamped togather. Both broke the same. Where the center that holds the springs is attatched to the main plate they just bend it over like a staple. Thats where both of mine broke. I couldnt afford a SBC so I bought a sachs. So far so good. The sachs is held togather by large rivits, a little better by the way it looks but only time will tell. If it happens again I will SBC even if I have to charge it.



Mike

 

[LUnderwood]

I had one for 500 miles and the disk and pres plate shatterd into thousands of little peices

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

It's a good idea to temper individual user reports with how the clutch is used - looking at engine mods in a guy's sig is often a pretty good clue as to what the clutch was exposed to - regardless of how much the owner might insist it was "only driven to Church on Sundays, and never over 30 mph"... :-laf



I have power mods on my truck too, but it's only for RV towing power, not drag racing or sled pulling - or any of dozens of other clutch destroying activities.



The LUK fit my power and intended usage - plus price - just fine and no regrets, but IF I was looking at more power, and lots of competitive activities, I almost certainly be looking at a different brand and type clutch.



You just HAVE to match actual USE to the clutch you choose - or end up paying more in the long run, regardless of the brand you buy...

 

[LUnderwood]

meeee... ... Destroy a clutch???? Nawwwww cmon now! It really is a good clutch, i should have added that in! Its not a clutch for the power adder or a quick shifting or hole shot junkie but daily driver its a decent clutch ! compairable to a Con OFE in smoothness

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

meeee... ... Destroy a clutch???? Nawwwww cmon now! It really is a good clutch, i should have added that in! Its not a clutch for the power adder or a quick shifting or hole shot junkie but daily driver its a decent clutch ! compairable to a Con OFE in smoothness

WELL, the mods and 600 HP listed in your sig WAS sort of a give-away! :-laf



Or else you are just deeply fucused on being the FIRST to Church on Sunday morning! :-laf

 

[LUnderwood]

I praise God Every Day For My Truck! They Told me not to bring it to church anymore... . they said it took too long for the smoke to fade!

 

[JAderhold]

I installed a luk in my truck in oct when i replaced my transmission, price was a factor, but i did upgrade to the gold series and it has held just fine so far, I have about 4k miles on it so far and it a little grabby at times but holds just fine while pulling my tractor or play truck.

also note my truck is bombed some but not all out, and will probably only get a set of injectors 100 to 150 hp and i will probably stop there, since it is my daily driver and i drive 230 miles a day to work and home.

my thoughts are it is a great clutch as long as you dont abuse it, and it should work great with a slightly modified truck



Eddie

 

[Cummins724]

I think that they are more than built for a slightly modified truck. I been putting 50 psi boost & 500 hp to it with no problems. I think that it is all about the hole shots & dropping the clutch that has a effect on overall quality. I grew out of the clutch dropping stage, but I still have fun here & there. My Dad always said that dropping that clutch is like dropping your wallet in the toilet..... everything turns to s---!

 

[LUnderwood]

i have to agree!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I should have looked closer when I swapped out my clutch - I suspect the Cerametallic simply uses stock disc hardware as the base for their Cerametallic pads - which, if true, makes the disc center section the weak point in hard usage applications.



Not at all a BAD thing, since that would also provide the "weak link" to fail, instead of the FAR more costly transmission and components...

 

[Jed]

Luk clutches, how they hold up?

Not very well.

 

[MCummings]

Not at all a BAD thing, since that would also provide the "weak link" to fail, instead of the FAR more costly transmission and components...

I'd rather pop a much cheaper,, u-joint, since they are just a tad weaker than the trans. Cheaper than a Clutch R&R.



All I can say is, do a search on TDR about luk clutches, and that South Bend has taken care of me for more than 75k miles. (Check my video for how I normally drive)



Merrick



P. S. Hi Gary.

 

[MHagen]

I should note that my first luk clutch broke while towing before any mods. I was gettin on it to get into traffic. My second broke during an emergency stop. In the panic I may have gotten to the brake before I got the clutch fully applied. After braking 2 I decided I should try something non luk. :-laf



Mike

 

[Timebomb]

I don't know of a clutch aside from the Luk pro gold that could hold up to 900ftlbs at the wheels and only cost me $360. That was a great clutch. The guy who owns the truck now still has it in there.