South Bend Clutch and Heavy duty adjustable hydraulic assembly Q's

[Tuesdak]

What does South Bend's "heavy duty adjustable hydraulic assembly" do for me over stock? With a self adjusting factory setup what does the SB's setup being adjustable do for me? Does it have any other advantages over stock? The current factory setup releases and engages near the very top of the pedal. I do not know if that is normal or not. I have had some in the past that release 1/2 way down the pedal travel.

I live in a place that has lots of stop signs and 18%+ Grades. Clutch abuse is going to mainly include slipping. It has to slip or I loose traction period. Esp. in reverse up driveways with this extreme grade I have to get a running start at. It can go forward without slipping like launching a missile because we roll back after getting on the clutch to stop before hitting the garage door... I almost need 4x4 low for reverse in the driveway with the grade it has.

My current clutch slips at times in 6th (tach goes up but MPH don't) with a burning brakes smell and is supposedly the 2nd factory clutch in 105K. PO towed a 5er with it and I expect the clutch close to the end of it's life.

This said SB recommended the new clutch they have with the larger friction lining band. (Can't beat the bigger pilot bearing included with the flywheel package.) Has anyone tried it out? My main concern is as smooth as possible that can take the slipping needed in my area. I don't expect it to be my last clutch... Yes, it will tow now and then. having a 1 ton means you have people use you and your truck for heavy loads their car can't handle...

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[Woodenhead]

Don't know much about 3G equipment but I can tell you my experience with my '98 12V.
I recently installed a South Bend Dual disc clutch (DD3250-6). The motor wasn't back together yet so I couldn't test it but I knew right away the pedal wasn't returning as high as it did with the previous clutch. While it's known the stock hydraulics in my truck could work for a while with this clutch, it's common knowledge they will eventually fail from the higher pressure.
So I installed the South Bend Hydraulics with the adjustable push rod. This allowed me to adjust the push rod length and set the pedal height where I want it. I'm glad I did this as the OEM master cylinder was already wet and surely wouldn't have lasted long.

Mike