more clutch questions 13 inch

[SAndreasen]

has anybody went to a 13 inch clutch? are there any issues with them working right they say I need an adapter and that's what has me a little worried.

thanks shaun

 

[RSchwarzli]

Yes. I run a CON OFE 13 125 SBC in the 90. Love it.


Are you talking adapter for starter or for the pilot?

 

[GCroyle]

Shaun,



The 1st Gen used a 13" system that had a cast iron clutch cover and a commercial grade disc. I'm using that description because it was unlike any other system that was ever put in a pick up truck. The cast iron housing is heavy, the disc was extra thick at the facings because it was built on a steel backing plate, it was a design that came from MB straight trucks.



The only quirk it had was the F/W. The clutch centered on a lip on the F/W to transfer the balance alignment, it was an old Sachs design element. Todays systems use special shoulder bolts and pilot holes in the cover stamping and F/W to line up the clutch cover for balance. Unless you have a real 1st gen F/W with the lip, you will most likely not get the same balance alignment of cover to F/W as it located on the lip to a precision OD on the cast iron cover. If you have one, resurfacing might be a challange because of the locating lip. The only other problem with the system was occasionally the small predamper springs in the damper would pop out, gone. I bet many 1st Gen F/W have had the lip ground off and converted to the 12 1/4" stamped steel systems.



Not sure what the adaptor statement is all about.

 

[SAndreasen]

thanks for the replies what I am wanting to run is the 13 inch clutch kit from valair they said the kit requires an adaptor I'm not sure what the adapter is for or where it goes I'm just wondering if the adapter will cause any problems. I only ask because my friend put a cummins in his ford super duty and he had to run an adapter and he had all kinds of problems

 

[NIsaacs]

Without knowing the exact clutch that is in your truck, it is hard to give advice.



The Ford guy needed an adapter because of the Cummins/Ford conversion. One of the issues of that conversion, is the transmission housing needs some grinding to clear the Cummins starter drive.



Nick

 

[GHarman]

Back in 2007 I installed a 13" South Bend Con-O in my 91. 5. For the short time I ran the truck, before wrecking it in 2009. That clutch performed as advertised. It was outstanding! It comes with a new fly wheel! You get a complete kit. I would talk to Peter at South Bend, before you go buying "adaptors" and such!

Presently I have the '93. The transmission went down in 2010. During the pull and repair the transmission people recommended a clutch replacement. I wanted a South Bend. They refused. Instead a LUC was installed. Dont ever allow yourself to get into a LUC clutch. I dont like the results! I dont pull with the '93. IMHO, that LUC would not last long If I did. Good Luck! GregH

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

I will second the SB recomendation. I had a 12. 25 from SB that eventually saw the center come apart. In talking with Peter he said that this was a problem with those clutches. I now have their 13" CON-O and I do like it. I also replaced the hydraulics with their HD unit.



Bob

 

[JLEONARD]

Anyone have LUC with Sacs or did it Con-O stop after a few years ?:-laf:-laf

 

[GHarman]

JLEONARD! Thats really FUNNY! To much New England Crab:-laf! GregH

 

[SAndreasen]

what does the sb kit cost

 

[GHarman]

Call South Bend and talk to Peter. I paid about $750 IIRC, for the Con-O kit, in 2007.

That included a New Flywheel with a roller pilot bearing. I did not replace the hydraulic actuator. Everything worked great. GregH

South Bend Clutch Dodge Clutch Kits Catalog

 

[SAndreasen]

Call South Bend and talk to Peter. I paid about $750 IIRC, for the Con-O kit, in 2007.

That included a New Flywheel with a roller pilot bearing. I did not replace the hydraulic actuator. Everything worked great. GregH

South Bend Clutch Dodge Clutch Kits Catalog

are you still running this clutch is it holding up good?

do you pull?

 

[GHarman]

are you still running this clutch is it holding up good?

do you pull?

Unfortunately, I wrecked the truck less than 1 1/2 years after the installation. I seldom pull. Sorry, not much of a test criteria.

I did note that all the parts included, went into place with no issues. No red flags on quality of parts. I would do it again, given the opportunity! GregH

 

[MMiller]

I replaced the Sachs with a Con O in early 2008. It is much smoother engagement then the Sachs ever was. I reccommend the Con O to anyone that is not insane on power and tows. If you look in my readers rides, you can see how/what I tow. If you are asking about pulling, like a truck pull, you need to spend a whole lot more on a clutch for that, but for towing its great.



Just last month I had a truck come in the shop that 14 months ago we put a SBC dual disk street clutch in a 24 valve, small input nv4500. The input shaft failed, and it buggered up the pressure plate, throwout bearing, fork, and pilot bearing. We sent it back to SBC for repairs and for $600 they sent us an entire new clutch kit, set up for the big input shaft. I think is speaks volumes that they partially waranteed thier clutch after 14 months, all from a part they didn't sell actually failing.



Michael

 

[NIsaacs]

Michael,



Are you the same MMiller that was a commercial hauler out of Las Vegas? If so, you have not been on here, in forever! Again, if so, welcome back!



Nick

 

[MMiller]

Ah, nope. Never even been to Vegas. I'm just a southern Iowa farm boy with an old red Dodge. I haven't been in here much in the last few years. I used to be in here ALOT when SOP first started, Pastor Bob was still wielding his hp points, and 300 hp was really gettin' with in on a First gen.



Michael

 

[NIsaacs]

Okay, my bad. It might be the other Miller used small m's in his sig. Anyway, farm raised is a good way, I wouldn't trade it for any other



Nick

 

[pwerwagn]

Wasnt that MMeier from Vegas?



I ran a Luk on my 98 for a while, and it was a grabby clutch but held decent power. When I wanted a new clutch, Peter at southbend actually gave me a STEAL since I was swapping from a LUK to his clutch.



Ill reccoment peter and southbend over and over and over and over. The 100% american made claim also gets me to spend my money there every time.

 

[NIsaacs]

Wasnt that MMeier from Vegas?



Yup, I think so



Nick

 

[MMiller]

No worries Nick. Coming to Iowa in June?