Need a new clutch SOON!

[Hicountry]

Hi Guys,
My Clutch is starting to slip and I really want to go to Dyno Days at B-D on the 21st so I need one now. I E-mailed McLeod and have yet to get a response. South Bend told me they would have the perfect clutch for me soon? The Sachs modified Clutch looks interesting! If I need to put an older flywheel on to get the best than I will!! I do not want to do this again anytime soon. I am going to add a set of 275s later and do something? to my exahust otherwise my HP mods are done. What clutch do you guys think I should order Tomorrow!! Thanks for your help.

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'98. 5, 24v, 2500 SLT Laramie, Red/Black, QC, LB, 4x4, 5spd, 3. 54 LSD, Full Castrol synthetics, Camper package, trailer package, Kelsey brake controler, CIPA mirror extenders, Happijac camper tie downs, LineX, 285/75x16, 2" front lift, rear 5K lbs air bags, GUN RACKS, CB, VA box, boost elbow, PS boost mod, K&N, BD E-brake, modified rear brake valve, 9. 5' Jayco Camper, 20' Bayliner cabin cuddy, Yamaha IT490, Life Member NRA & NAHC

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I LOVE my Donnelly modified Sachs, I've even abused it with 20-30 3rd gear launches experimenting and never slipped it yet and those were with my powermax3 on level 9. I have a couple of friends that went with the same clutch and they are happy with it too (one just dyno'd at 302 and the other hasn't dyno'd but is well above me - I'd guess 450+). It is grabby but you get used to it, the only time it's annoying to me is in reverse - that's difficult.



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-Steve St. Laurent - President of the Great Lakes TDR
'98 QC LB (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, TST Powermax3, 275hp RV injectors, Joe Donnelly modifed Sachs Clutch, custom ladder bars, SW fuel pressure gauge, BD exhaust brake, Isspro turbo temp monitor, front Draw-Tite receiver, rear Draw-Tite class V receiver, BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's, (all the common stuff clipped)

 

[Hicountry]

Hi Steve,
You are the one selling the Sach's right. Do I need to change the flywheel for the 13" clutcu.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

No, not me - I'm just a satisfied customer. I'll email you Joe's phone #.

 

[Hicountry]

Does your clutch have full contact on the flywheel? You do still have the stock flywheel? As I read about this clutch It does not seem to have the same dimensions as stock for '98. What surface material are you using, organic, carbon, or brass. Thanks again Steve.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I am using the 94-98 style flywheel - I exchanged it for my stock one, so yes I have full contact. I'm using the brass pucks, I plan on pulling sleds occasionally so I wanted the additional margin, also went with a 3700 lb pressure plate for the same reason.

 

[Hicountry]

Steve,
How much was the flywheel and where did you get it?
Bob
PS Thanks for the phone number!

[This message has been edited by Hi Country (edited 03-29-2001). ]

 

[Arcticat]

Like Steve, I'm thrilled with my Sachs clutch. I was under the impression that the brass version of this unit actually doesn't hang down into the recess of the 98-up flywheel at all, and so I left my flywheel alone. Apparently this isn't the case, as Steve swapped his out for the pre-98 flywheel. In any case, Mike is right on about not needing this type of clutch if you stop power mods at the level you stated. This is a big "IF" though, it's easy to say you are going to stop when you haven't actualy been faced with being "done" with your truck. My advice would be to ride out the stocker until it completely gives up the ghost. Hopefully by then you will know for sure what the best course is for you.

 

[Hicountry]

That shouldn't take long articat. I can spin the stock clutch in three gears now. Now you see why I am buying one now! I talked to Pete at South Bend and I am going to try his newest clutch. It is an EXACT fit and considering it comes with everything for the price. Cost wise its only real competion is Diesel Dynamics and the less expensive South Bends. It is supposed to feel real close to stock. I already have an ASE certified NAPA shop ready to install it. They were the cheapest place and looks like a real first rate shop!! I have changed enough clutches in one life!! Thanks for all your help. I will let you guys know how it goes. Pete seems like real great guy to do business with.

 

[MikeR]

Hi Country,
If I'm reading your modifiaction list/wishes correctly,then you are not going to break the 300hp level with the VA/boost module/275inj combo. I wouldn't spend the big bucks on such a high powered clutch. I'd probably go with a Luk Pro Gold or a middle-of-the-road South Bend or something similar since you're staying under 325hp,and I probably wouldn't bother with brass ones. Reason being is comfort goes out the window with such high powered clutches. I know that's probably not what you wanted to hear,but your mods are pretty mild.

To answer your question about the 13" conversion... no,you don't change the flywheel. The new pressure plate is designed to use the original flywheel bolt pattern while the friction surface area is spread out from 12. 25" to a full 13".

Just an opinion...
-Mike

 

[PAYCHECK]

Hey MikeR, what about the old sachs that use to come on the older cummins( NOT the modified version) is it a good upgrade from my stock one? If i ad anything else to my mods it would only be injectors like the 275s and that is all i will do!I would like to mantain the 'feel and ease' of my stock clutch as much as possible,so which clutch do you think would accomplish those goals the best? thanx!

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01 2500HD QC,SB,3. 54,5 spd,4X4,241HD,SLT+,Sport all black,fully loaded,all leather htd,jacobs e-brake,tow pack,camper pack,,full rhino lining bed and rocker panels,265/75r16 BFG ATs ko,nerf bars,everthing black,4'' Jardine,ultra lite pyro & boost on a-pillar,EZ,NO stickers except cummins on door,License plate-1 CUMN, NRA endowment life member

 

[MikeR]

Paycheck,
The old Sachs costs almost as much as one of the new high power clutches,but the thing to find out would be how much power is it designed to hold.

If I was staying under 350hp,then I would go with Luk's Pro Gold or the ceramic/kevlar version... and they're only 300-350 bucks. I have witnessed this clutch hold the power just fine and drive real easy.

The thing about the 450hp style clutches is,you're gonna get the characteristics that go along with it... stiffer pedal,chatter,grabbiness.
It's up to you,but if the truck isn't going to put out 400+hp then I wouldn't get a clutch that acts like a 450hp clutch.

-Mike