Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) My Turn- Clutch

[FFL8N]

OK... . I have around 90,000 miles on my truck now with the original clutch in it. I noticed today that my clutched slipped as I accelerated onto the freeway with the comp on 5x1. I have tried to be pretty conservative with the go pedal, but I guess my towing, larger tires, and upgrades have caught up to me. I had to work the clutch pretty hard last summer when I was caught in a traffic jam in Colorado on a 8% grade, pulling my trailer. I was only making about 10 to 15 feet at a time then having to stop and start again. There was a lot of clutch slippage to get the truck/trailer moving. I did that for about 2 hours.



So, now that I have to upgrade to a stronger clutch, which one do I purchase? I have also thought about going to DD2's or 3's with maybe a HX40 turbo. I know that this has been talked about before, but now it is my turn. I have been looking at old threads by the way. Thanks!



David

 

[jmeehan]

Call Peter at South Bend Clutch. You knew that was coming didn't you?

I see your truck is a 2000. Did they build a H. O. in 2000, or did you get the 6 speed with the S. O. ? If it's a S. O. now would be a good time to upgrade the input shaft, and go with South Bends larger diameter clutch. At your current level I think the O/FE ought to be fine, but with more BOMB's you may want the FE. Peter will have a good idea of where you're at HP wise, and how much clutch you'll need.

 

[Sticks]

Just got done installing a clutch (SB Con FE) on mgoncalves truck. If you have a transmission jack, it is an easy job if you have someone to help you. I don't know about swapping out the input shaft, but the clutch end of it is a cake walk.

 

[FFL8N]

My truck was pre-HO. That didn't offer it when I ordered mine. I recieved it in November, so I probably ordered it a couple months before then (maybe a month). I will call Peter, and yes I knew it was coming! LOL

 

[FFL8N]

What exactly do you have to get into to change out the output shaft? Is this a driveway job? My truck is a daily driver! Sticks, how long did it take you to do the clutch (I'm assuming you had to machine-replace the flywheel)? I was going to call DD, but does anyone know a good clutch shop in Las Vegas, NV. Maybe I'll also call Joseph Donnelly. You out there Joe or Mark?

 

[Sticks]

Originally posted by FF1607

What exactly do you have to get into to change out the output shaft? Is this a driveway job? My truck is a daily driver! Sticks, how long did it take you to do the clutch (I'm assuming you had to machine-replace the flywheel)? I was going to call DD, but does anyone know a good clutch shop in Las Vegas, NV. Maybe I'll also call Joseph Donnelly. You out there Joe or Mark?

There were three of us working on it (not real hard). 1. 5 hours to pull the transmission, another 2 hours to put it all back together. The flywheel was machined so that added another hour, and more for lunch. The two hardest things are

• 
  
  1. Pulling and re-installing the cross member support for the transfer case - you have to spread the frame a bit.
  
  2. Lining up and pushing that heavy, ungainly b!tch of a transmission back into position. A ratchet strap on the transmission jack tied to the front axle to pull it forward, and another frame rail to rail to hold up the transfer case/tail of the transmission.
  

Like I said, I have no idea about the input shaft replacement. Never done it.

 

[jmeehan]

The only reason I mentioned changing the input shaft was I believe the early 6 spd. came with a 1 1/4" dia. where as the HO version came with 1 3/8". I don't know how much stronger it is but it can't hurt.

I thought it was a simple bolt in affair, but after checking my manual I'm not sure.

You may want to check with a couple of the transmission supplier's that advertise in the TDR.

It took me three days, working alone and taking my time, to install my clutch. You'll definitly need a transmission jack, that is one serious gear box. For a frame spreader I built a tool out of a large turn buckle. That delayed me for most of a day, as I didn't realize I needed it until it was to late in the day to buy the parts.

It may be a weekend job with some help, and all the tools.

 

[RustyJC]

Originally posted by jmeehan

For a frame spreader I built a tool out of a large turn buckle. That delayed me for most of a day, as I didn't realize I needed it until it was to late in the day to buy the parts.

You can also use a hydraulic bottle jack and an appropriate length of 4"x4".



You better rent a serious transmission jack if you don't have one. That NV5600 is a heavy beast!



Rusty

 

[jmeehan]

Originally posted by RustyJC

You can also use a hydraulic bottle jack and an appropriate length of 4"x4".

Not being arguementative, just curious.

Have you gotten a hydralic jack to work on its side before? The few times I've tried it it never worked for me. Maybe I need a better quality jack?

 

[RustyJC]

Originally posted by jmeehan

Not being arguementative, just curious.

Have you gotten a hydralic jack to work on its side before? The few times I've tried it it never worked for me. Maybe I need a better quality jack?

Yep, we used mine recently at an LSTDR "wrench day" to pull the crossmember to repair 5th gear on me4osu's NV4500. It worked just fine. Of course, mine is only a little old cheapie 4-ton Hecha en Mexico jack from Tractor Supply, so maybe it doesn't know enough not to work when it's sideways.



Rusty

 

[Sticks]

Originally posted by jmeehan

The only reason I mentioned changing the input shaft was I believe the early 6 spd. came with a 1 1/4" dia. where as the HO version came with 1 3/8". I don't know how much stronger it is but it can't hurt.

I thought it was a simple bolt in affair, but after checking my manual I'm not sure.

You may want to check with a couple of the transmission supplier's that advertise in the TDR.

It took me three days, working alone and taking my time, to install my clutch. You'll definitly need a transmission jack, that is one serious gear box. For a frame spreader I built a tool out of a large turn buckle. That delayed me for most of a day, as I didn't realize I needed it until it was to late in the day to buy the parts.

It may be a weekend job with some help, and all the tools.

Jeez. Did you put out your campfire when your were done?



Just kidding. This is not a one day job for one person unless you have a full shop and work on cars for a living. . Two people that have an idea about what is going on, or are familiar with working on autos (pulling drive shafts, replacing starters and alternators, interior panels like dash and door panels) can get it done in about 4 to 8 hours.