SB SDD 3250 - Too Much Clutch?

[Prairie Dog]

Thanks Prairie Dog. I'm running the 325 HO engine with the 70 HP setting on my SmartyJR. I told Mansel what I was running and he said I'd be fine. The most I might run but only unloaded (No 5th wheel) is the 100HP setting on the Jr.
boonhauler, our trucks are only as strong as the weakest link. The transmissions, the NV5600 in your truck, is only rated for so much HP and Torque, just the same as My G-56. I am probably a bit over the rating right now and I drive it respectfully but I use the extra power when I need it

Yes,I tow at the 100HP level including in the mountain passes that I commonly go over and dont have any problem. My NV is rated for quite a bit more but unless I get a small set of injectors someday, this is all I need.
This newest SBC organic has super nice engagement and is very quiet. Almost like driving a Honda!

Scott

 

[HHhuntitall]

I modded my '97 with a 6 spd, using a South Bend Ofe. It was building 55-60lbs boost, and I tow heavy. I detuned it after it destroyed this last transmission. The clutch has never slipped. I've got a DD-3250 in my '03, and it's a strong clutch, grabs hard like a semi-clutch, but speed shifting is out of the question, and hitting reverse can be difficult. The '03 dyno's 379 with no electronics, and I run my TST on 2 in hot weather, and 3 in cold, with 150hp injectors. It's borderline needing a set of twins. The noise is a bit bothersome, but the new clutches are much quieter.

I'm a dealer for South Bend, Valair, and Valeo. I have installed several Valair clutches, as they're fairly close to me, and I can have a clutch next day. My customers have been happy with the Valair, But I've only been using them for about a year, with limited feedback. I've been using South Bend for over two decades, and had very few problems, and none I can blame on the product.

I'm going to call Centerforce products junk. Scrap. I wouldn't put one in a two cycle Ford Ranger! I used a few over a year period, and I've only had one I haven't had to replace. And then they didn't want to warranty the last few. I had to eat them. And the labor!!

Valeo clutches are decent for stock engines. Better than the two piece flywheel junk in the later trucks.... But I wouldn't recommend them for heavy towing with much programming.

 

[RVTRKN]

I've been happy with my DD3250 for the capability, smooth engagement, and the assurance that it's going to hold. But I will go with OFEK next time around, if it doesn't hold, then I'll have to go back to the DD. I want a quieter clutch, so I'll experiment a little. I don't know the HP when in regen (long story) but it took out my stock clutch.

 

[AH64ID]

You will be towing 18K lbs, or having a GCW of 18K lbs?

But realistically unless you're going to make a lot more than 400hp a single disk can hold the power while towing.

I have ~400-410 rwhp and run a OFE. I run up to 22K GCW, sometimes more but not common, and don't have any clutch issues. My next clutch will be a OHD. I've driven DD's and don't want one.

 

[Motorhead]

Ordered a SBC OR-HD today to replace my CON-OFE. I have had 66,000 trouble free miles on the OFE. At 64yrs old, my left knee is getting a little CRANKY! Drove standard shift UPS trucks and jumped in and out of them for 30 years. Looking to get a bit lighter pedal and a smoother take off when towing. Since we bought a fifth wheel, my wife will drive the truck while towing. She is good at it but would like a smoother clutch too. NO regrets with the OFE.