Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Last April, with 200,000 miles on the clock of my 03, I had the NV5600 transmission rebuilt because we were planning to tow our 17,000 lb 5th wheel to Alaska and back, and I didn't want to have transmission problems on the road. At the time I had a South Bend Con OFE clutch with 100,000 miles on it. I was not having any problems with it, but Peter, at South Bend recommended replacing it with a heavy duty organic clutch (1947 OHD) so I had one installed. We made our trip to Alaska and had no clutch or transmission problems.
Then, recently, with only 21,000 miles on the clutch, without warning, the truck refused to go into gear and I had to have it towed to a Dodge dealer. The dealer removed the transmission and told me the pressure plate was damaged and I needed a new clutch. I told them not to do anything until I talked to South Bend. I called and talked to Peter, explained what happened and what the dealer said. He said he doubted there was a problem with the pressure plate and told me to give the dealer his phone number so he could talk to them and ask for pictures. A couple of hours later, he called to tell me he had received the pictures and was able to determine from the pictures that the problem was the pilot bearing in the original stock flywheel. The dealer had then investigated further and agreed that he was right.
Then, Peter said he was going to ship to the dealer a new South Bend flywheel with pilot bearing and a new replacement heavy duty organic clutch. I asked, "How much will this cost?" Peter answered, "It won't cost you anything. You called with a problem, were courteous, and didn't scream and yell, and I appreciate that. We'll take care of it to get your truck back on the road. I'm not sure your clutch has actually been damaged, but we want to be sure so we'll provide a replacement." I was amazed that he would provide the flywheel as well as the clutch and thanked him very much.
A few days later, the dealer called to say the parts had been received and installed and the truck was ready to go. I have had it back for a few days and am very happy with the result. The clutch responds and engages more positively than the last one, yet it is very smooth with never any chattering, which sometimes did happen with the last one when starting in second gear and empty. It certainly is great to do business with a company that stands behind their products and goes well beyond what they have to do to satisfy the customer. If any of you need a clutch, I encourage you to give Peter a call at South Bend Clutch.
Bill
Then, recently, with only 21,000 miles on the clutch, without warning, the truck refused to go into gear and I had to have it towed to a Dodge dealer. The dealer removed the transmission and told me the pressure plate was damaged and I needed a new clutch. I told them not to do anything until I talked to South Bend. I called and talked to Peter, explained what happened and what the dealer said. He said he doubted there was a problem with the pressure plate and told me to give the dealer his phone number so he could talk to them and ask for pictures. A couple of hours later, he called to tell me he had received the pictures and was able to determine from the pictures that the problem was the pilot bearing in the original stock flywheel. The dealer had then investigated further and agreed that he was right.
Then, Peter said he was going to ship to the dealer a new South Bend flywheel with pilot bearing and a new replacement heavy duty organic clutch. I asked, "How much will this cost?" Peter answered, "It won't cost you anything. You called with a problem, were courteous, and didn't scream and yell, and I appreciate that. We'll take care of it to get your truck back on the road. I'm not sure your clutch has actually been damaged, but we want to be sure so we'll provide a replacement." I was amazed that he would provide the flywheel as well as the clutch and thanked him very much.
A few days later, the dealer called to say the parts had been received and installed and the truck was ready to go. I have had it back for a few days and am very happy with the result. The clutch responds and engages more positively than the last one, yet it is very smooth with never any chattering, which sometimes did happen with the last one when starting in second gear and empty. It certainly is great to do business with a company that stands behind their products and goes well beyond what they have to do to satisfy the customer. If any of you need a clutch, I encourage you to give Peter a call at South Bend Clutch.
Bill
