new clutch needed but which one?

[strick]

I've read most of the clutch related posts and have narrowed it down to the modified Sachs and the Mcleod. I want to eventually run 400+hp. The most important thing is I need a good holding clutch, but also one that is smooth when pulling 20k. I can't stand a clutch that has excessive chatter when starting out. I usually start in second unless I have a trailer behind me. I'm also concerned about the Mcleod being hard on the input shaft. How about some opinions guys. I imagine this topic will stir up some debate. My next question will be how can I get in contact with both Joe Donnelly and Mcleod to directly ask them some questions. I'm going to get one very soon. I get tired of smelling clutch disk when running with fords. Before too long the fords are gonna win, because the clutch slips worse everytime. Don't let this happen TDR brethren! #ad
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'99 3500HD flatbed, 5 spd 4:10 Posi, homebuilt underbody toolboxes & cowcatcher, 4" down w/straight stack(speak-up! I can't hear you!), K&N filter, what silencer ring? mudgrips, banks pyro & boost guage, sw fuel guage, 50% 3 wire BlueBox(HOLYSMOKE), Psycotty air, PS boost module w/ elbow, thinking about 1/2" fuel lines(real hard)
Jason

 

[drawson]

I haven't got it in yet but South Bend is worth looking at. Check out the treads in the products forum. South Bend clutch and 6 speed clutch.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I've been very happy with my modified Sachs (brass pucks and 3700 lb pressure plate). I approximate that I am around 380 hp/1000 ft/lbs right now and I was playing around with 3rd gear launches (I have 4. 10's) just today to get my 0-60 and 1/4 mile times down. I launched at least 20 times in 3rd gear with no clutch slippage at all. My 0-60 time is down into the 8. 5-8. 6 range (I saw an 8. 2 and an 8. 0 but I think I either started the stopwatch late or stopped it early). It will take me some more practice with it to get the launches consistent. I also did approximately 12 full load dyno runs on it the end of last week at TST and never slipped the clutch there either. The chatter on take off you get used to and about 95% of the time now I'd say my starts are smooth starting in 2nd gear. Backing up is another story however - there's ALWAYS a lot of chatter in reverse, I'm going to put on a 2-low kit on my truck to take care of that. I spent nearly 4 months researching clutches before I made my decision.



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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)

 

[Bigsaint]

Jason, I put the McLeod in my ETH and am real happy with the clutch. There is small amount of chatter at idle, but very hard to hear in mine over the Cummins, you really have to listen for it. I have no chatter while starting from 1st or 2nd gear and I can hear no chatter in direct drive(5th for me). If you considering the McLeod, give JVD a call at 877-948-4050. They are great people to deal with and they test each McLeod before they ship. Hope this helps.

Scott W.

White 2001. 5 3500 ETH/DEE 4X4 Quad cab SLT,tow package and camper prep,Husky liners front and rear,DiPricol pyro,boost and oil temp gauges,Edge EZ,Psychotty air,Bully Dog stage III injectors,ATS 3 piece manifold,HX40 turbo,4" BD exhaust,4" BD E-brake,McLeod clutch,Mallory 4150 lift pump,Mag-Hytec rear,Mopar tonneau,Lund bug shield,PM tractor utility back up lights,Penda bed mat and blow by bottle is bye bye !!! I love the smell of diesel in the morning, it reminds me of... . VICTORY !!!
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1231655&a=9089608" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>My Truck</font></A>
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1231655&a=9089604" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>THE SAINTS</font></A>

 

[Amianthus]

Here's my take on these two clutches. First, Joe D. is the real deal. He has a great product and his knowledge on this subject is hard to beat. He is easy to get in touch with, and will make sure that you do not leave him with any questions. He took an hour and a half to tell me what he knew about clutches. That's a guy who deserves high praises.
Now, getting in touch with McLeod is a difficult task at best. Also, when you want to ask them any questions about thier product, they will respond with a resounding "Duh?" Or "What are you doing that you need such a clutch?"
As far as performance, the DRS is the smooth option for a clutch with power in mind. It is most like stock and will behave well. The McLeod IS the last word in high power hookups. It will handle more power than the Sachs, but at the cost of smooth operation. In starting in second, it chatters. Reverse, no problem. 1st, no problem. Pedal pressure, very light.
The best way to get information on these clutches is talk to the people who have these clutches. Others' opinions were part of the reason I went with the McLeod. The other (and biggest) was price. I was able to get a super-sweet deal on a clutch through a local racer friend of mine. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me. I hope this helps.

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'99 2500 ISB QC SLT (No Leather!), 4x4, 5sp w/McLeod, 4:10, BD-II, PE, PE-EZ, 4"exh. , Pac-Brake, A-Pillar gauge pod w/boost and pyro, Line-X, V-1, lights, siren, lic. plt. frame says "Diesel Fumes Make Me Horny!", and much more goofy stuff.

 

[Arcticat]

Love my Sachs. I talked to everyone who would listen when I was looking, Sachs and Mcleod users. South Bend was not a force in the market at the time. 100% of the people who had the Sachs were happy with it, wheras only two thirds of the people who had the Mcleod were 100% satisfied. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of thrilled McLeod owners out there, but some have these wierd issues with it that can't seem to be resolved, such as neutral grind or noises when the clutch pedal is depressed. Those in the know say it will hold more power than the Sachs, but I think the Sachs will hold what you plan on making for power without a problem.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

SouthBend Clutch has a new webpage. Lots of good pictures & specs for different Clutch/Pressure plates:
http://www.southbendclutch.com/catalog.html