Replacement Clutch

[nopowerforme]

I have a 1995 ram 2500 5 spd I am in need of a new clutch.



I tow a 12,00 lb 5th wheel trlr anmd have boosted bhp from 160 to 230 bhp .



I would like to just have it replaced with the stock clutch if you all think that would be okay.



I did contact SB Clutch in IN and got a price of $1350 installed for a heavy duty clutch.



Any recomendations ? Will need one fairly soon.



Thanks

 

[BPINE]

IMO the stock clutch should be fine at your HP level but the Con O Southbend would give you room to grow and it is as smooth as stock, you will not be disappointed. How much would the stock clutch be (installed price) to compare. The Con O is still my favorite clutch for pulling RV's you just have to no it's limits, which are pretty high.

 

[M Barnett]

I also vote for the Con-O. Years ago when my rear crank seal leaked and had the transmission out, I put in a new stock clutch and then as soon as I installed a 230 fuel plate, there went the clutch. Now over 300 hp and with the Con-O no slipping. And its smooth.

Michael

 

[Sled Puller]

A good rule of thumb would be to BOMB higher than stock-just in case.

Our drivetrains are just enough to hold stock power.



Average price around here for an install is $400, if that helps you any.



If I remember right, the stock clutch from Dodge was not exactly cheap, and I would not trust any autoparts off the shelf replacement.

From reading these boards, SBC will be there for you if there is ever a problem, (I doubt you will) and having them install it would be extra insurance.

 

[nopowerforme]

Clutch replacement Advice

Thanks guys... . I am leaning more and more towards the SBC Peter recomended changing the flywheel instead of resurfaceing the old one any ... thoughts?



I got a price of $1150 for the clutch and flywheel plus $300 at a shop he recomends to install it



Does this sound reasonable?



The thing is I am in BFE ( Intl Falls MN ) and am going to be in IN in early June towing my trailer, figure to have it done there since I will have 3 or 4 days down time while I am there, while the wife does her thing.



I appreciate all the feedback. This is a great site TDR is something else

 

[b.j.oneill]

I have a SBC Con"O" and love it it feels much better than the OEM clutch and have never had a problem towing with it and you have plenty of room to bomb so my vote goes to the SB

 

[South Bend Clutch]

The clutch that I was recommending to nopowerforme is our 13" upgrade. It might be a little over kill but from talking to him it appeared he and his wife love to travel and tow their 5er frequently and are sometimes in the middle of nowhere. The last thing that I want to see is something go wrong when help is miles away. With the 13" the fear of any breakage is greatly reduced. The 12 1/4" con o is a fine clutch but not our best. My thought was. . this guy needs our best. The reason for the new flywheel is because it is redrilled to accept the 13" clutch.



Peter

 

[nopowerforme]

Peter,



Thanks for explaining things ... I don't really know much about clutch's but there are many in here that do... ... and I know you won't hold it against me for asking questions. ::

Since I did not know much I couldn't ask much when I talked to you on the phone.



I am going to E mail you with some other questions but I have pretty much made up my mind to go with your suggestion and for the very reasons you stated. See you in June



Thanks all, for the good feedback. Oo.

 

[J@NWC]

You won't go wrong with South bend or Peter!!!

 

[BPINE]

nopowerforme the clutch that Peter is recommending is a fine clutch as well, I just installed one in my truck a few weeks ago and I have no problems with it as well. I see where Peter is going with the clutch recommendation due to the heavy 5th wheel and I tend to agree that a little extra clutch would be a safe investment. Thanks for chiming in Peter and setting us straight you have a very good point and one that could have been over looked.

 

[Six_Man_Diesel]

TST has a 1000 lb 13 inch clutch disk for 250 bucks, pressure plate for 250 also, but you may not need it. I have heard good things about it, and have done buisness with them since I bought my Dodge, no problems yet. My brother is ordering his in a few weeks also, so we will see how it is.

 

[drawson]

SOUTH BEND

You can't go wrong with Peter and South Bend. They have great clutchs and even greater service!!!!