South Bend HD Clutch anygood?

[dblake]

Well I called South Bend Clutch today and they recommended one of these units for my truck. I was wondering if anybody else is running this clutch and how they like it? I’m worried about added pedal pressure/smooth engagement. I’ve already installed their clutch master/slave unit. Also, if anyone has a recommendation for an installer in the Los Angeles area that would be great. Thanks in advance for your input.
https://www.southbendclutch.com/clutches/1947-OKHD-10169/

 

[jgillott]

There are not too many that have been disappointed with South Bend clutches. And, they have always been great at matching a clutch to your specific application. I have a feeling you will be very pleased with their product.

 

[RVTRKN]

You should be Ok with that, are you at stock power?

 

[dblake]

I have the 275 RV injectors and a BD modified stock turbo. I’m running 3:54 gears, stock tire size with a GVW just over 10K lbs. with my camper. My current stock clutch only has 175k miles but it just started to slip a bit when I start out on a steep hill fully loaded. I ALWAYS use first gear to start.

 

[BigPapa]

You’ll like the engagement of the full organic. It’ll be smooth with no shudder. You’ll also realize DECREASED pedal pressure, especially with their hydraulics.

SBC is good people.

 

[Killgore]

I have the G56-OKHD with their hydraulics. My wife doesn't care for the clutch because she says it's too stiff but that's okay, it's my truck. I'm pulling 19,500 lbs. and the engine is stock, no problems.

 

[jgillott]

I have the G56-OKHD with their hydraulics. My wife doesn't care for the clutch because she says it's too stiff but that's okay, it's my truck. I'm pulling 19,500 lbs. and the engine is stock, no problems.

I'm running the same clutch. I have been very impressed with it towing so far.

 

[dblake]

Thanks for the responses everybody. I’ve been reading the online reviews as well. They are mostly positive. The few negative reviews I’ve seen seem to be related to either installation errors or changes in drivability. I think people forget what their brand new stock clutch felt like. Mine was a little grabby and had the shudder in reverse when backing up a hill. Over time with use I either got used to it or the drivability got better. It’s like a new set of brakes that feel “ touchy” after changing them. Most people write their reviews right after changing out their clutch. I’d like to know if they changed their opinions later on down the road.

 

[Regcabguy]

Pretty smooth and mine holds the 60 hp tune with 35's and camper.

 

[RVTRKN]

The few negative reviews I’ve seen seem to be related to either installation errors or changes in drivability.

Keep in mind a lot of the clutches for the G56 with SMF’s conversions will change drivability drastically from the smooth DMF. Maybe a source of the negative comments for drivability. I run the SB DDS 3250 and really like the holding power without a stiff clutch. But the noise is a negative when engaged.

 

[BigPapa]

Proper break-in is very important. If the new clutch gets slipped or overheated you won't like it.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I have a brand new in the box complete clutch, pressure plate and flywheel in unopened boxes. Will make someone a smokin deal. I gave up trying to find a clean 01-02 6 speed Sport LB and settled for an auto so it's for sale.

 

[JeepBuilder]

I just put in that exact clutch about 600 miles ago. My truck came with the bigger input shaft so this clutch fit. I am very happy with it's performance. No problems in reverse and great drivability. My only complaint was the cheap loose (oversize bore and excess bearing slop) no name throw out bearing I received with the kit. I talked to Peter at SB and he described the two versions it should have been. Mine was neither and he offered to replace it free of charge, but I had already ordered a quality USA made bearing that was here already, and I declined. After reading about all the years of cheap TO bearings, I was surprised to get it. I took care of that. The clutch works great. No excess pedal effort, and I am sure you won't be disappointed.

 

[GAmes]

......... I had already ordered a quality USA made bearing ........

Could you share the brand and source?

 

[NIsaacs]

Napa sells SKF

https://www.napaonline.com/en/searc...ing&scene=partTypesScene1&fullyQualified=true

 

[GAmes]

Napa sells SKF

SKF makes good bearings, in Sweden.

 

[Tuesdak]

The larger friction lining adds rotating mass. Combined with "flat" worn out synchro's in the NV-5600 it can take longer to shift. The OEM stock clutch was notchy going into 3rd before I put the SB in. I had my NV-5600 rebuilt and works a lot better...

All forward gears are smooth with the 1947 OKHD even at my trucks 20k GCWR limit. Reverse with 2wd up an incline has some spring wrap hopping. GDP ladder bars made a big difference for me. As I go forward the most I am not wanting to change the setup aka driveline angles for occasionally having reverse chalanges.

40k miles on it so far. Great for stock power of the 2003 HO. Has room for the BBi stage 1 injectors and a tune within the advertised holding power. I have 50/50 stock then turned the power up. Bluntly I should have turned the power up years earlier esp. with the mountain grades around here. The engine and trans can blow up just fine on stock power so being careful one can enjoy added power with IMO same risk.

 

[JeepBuilder]

Could you share the brand and source?

It was an SKF bearing. I am sure it said made in USA. The most important thing was that it did not say made in china or unbranded meaning made in china. I ordered it from Rock Auto where several options were available. It was the most expensive choice, but in my opinion, having a quality part in that location is way more important than a better price. That is a ton of work for a simple bearing change later when it makes noise or even fails. You could really tell the difference when placed side by side with SB's bearing. No bearing rocking and the bore was tighter by several thousandths. You get what you pay for. I hope SB gets it and stops shipping inferior parts in a good clutch kit. Especially when the kit is 900 bucks. Here is a link to the better SKF bearing.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...ansmission-manual,clutch+release+bearing,1968

 

[TrueTurbo]

South bend clutch holds excellent. I did have an issue being able to shift into gear when stopped due to clutch not releasing. The installer did not grease the splines and swore they should not be greased, but his answer to the problem was "that's just the way it is". Fug that. I removed the trans myself and lightly greased the splines on the input shaft. Shifts in gear perfectly now.

My service manual and online instructions from South Bend say to grease the splines. Funny, that when I called South bend, the help person said not to grease the splines. Obviously, there is a lot of conflicting info on this issue. My recommendations---- LIGHTLY GREASE THE INPUT SHAFT SPLINES!

Info: my input shaft was replaced, and brand new, so the splines were very crisp and new. This may have contributed to new clutch disc not moving freely when released. Light coating of grease on splines completely solved the issue, and clutch disc released from flywheel.

 

[JeepBuilder]

Wow, the Napa bearing was double the cost of the Rock Auto SKF.