Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Need clutch opinions

[QWaller]

Any opinions appreciated:



My truck is a lower mileage (106K) 98 but has a 10 plate which is obviously too much for my clutch. I have backed the fueling off last year to try to extend the life of the clutch as well as been babying her. Now I feel that I probably have some glazing of the clutch as it seems to slip with less pedal these days. Question is, what is the best clutch for a 10 plate on this motor? I may down the road put some DDP 2 injectors in, but that would be it. Has plenty of power for me currently. I am cost conscious due to changing jobs so that is a consideration as well.



Thanks

 

[snappy]

In my opinion, get a South Bend. It helps to have an idea of where you want to end up power wise and then purchase accordingly. Peter at SBC will give good advise.

 

[hsmith]

My truck is very similar to yours, 10, DDPII's, etc. I went with the South Bend 13" conversion staying with the 1 1/4 input shaft. If I remember, I have the ConO, not one of the real performance units. Doing a good job for me and I tow a heavy fifth wheel. I don't dog mine and get rough with it. I never put the power to it before the clutch is fully engaged. I also went with their hydraulics although mine was still working ok.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

With the plate you have now and possible injector upgrade definitely convert to the 13" clutch. Really love my SBC 13" upgrade. Installed at about 360,000 and now 70k later it hasn't slipped yet.

 

[QWaller]

Are you guys talking about Con O, Con OFE? Are they bought direct or distributor?. With 105k on the clock, are hydraulics in order? Is this something a person can do himself or should I find a shop. I do some things such as tabbed the KDP, valve adjustments, exhaust, brakes etc. myself but have never tackled a clutch. Sorry about all the questions but I am money sensitive right now and am using the truck to move across country in 3 weeks and am trying to save where I can. I could probably baby it 2500 miles but I don't want to chance it. Thanks

 

[hsmith]

I am sure I have the ConO. You can probably get by without changing the hydraulics for now. Easy to do later. Changing the clutch is a heavy job without a transmission jack, lift, etc. You can do it off jack stands to. Pretty much straight forward job. A porta-power is a real help to spread the frame making removal of the cross member a lot easier. It will test your patience the first time for sure.

Oh, and I think it has to come from a dealer.

 

[snappy]

I have used both Con 0 and Con OFE. If you are going to add injectors along with that 10 plate, then I'd go OFE. Been there. The 13 " upgrade is strongly recommended. The hydraulics are not needed until you upgrade to a much higher plate load or the factory unit fails. Save your money here. Buy from a distributor.

Some tools/equipment are right handy to have such as a transmission jack. I have done the job with a floor jack equipped with a trans adaptor. After that experience, I did buy a trans jack. The NV4500 is heavy and the Nv5600 is heavier. A porta-power, recommended, it does make "getting the cross member out much easier. "

If you have a buddy to help and the tools, I'd say go for it.

 

[Hammer]

Many will give you all the options for whats available.



Snappy said it the best way.....



Call Peter at SBC directly and give him what you have and what your plans are,he will fit you with what you need... ... Andy

 

[Rattler]

I agree on the South Bend Con OFE, as far as tools, you can rent a transmission jack and porta-power from a tool rental place and makes the job much easier. And remember it was our "first time doing it " ( no bad jokes here). Randy

 

[GOTSOOT]

why would you want to jack the frame apart?the cross member will come out just fine W/O jacking the frame. look at how the cross member is made and I`ll leave it to you to figure out how it comes out. Not rocket science!!!

 

[QWaller]

Thanks for all the input. I start to search and see if I can find a step by step on clutch replacement somewhere on here. I'll also give SBC a call. I'll see if it is something I can tackle, as I said before, money is tight right now.

Thanks again