Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Southbend Con O...Never proved itself before death

[KKaufman]

When my stock Clutch went out last year, I decided to upgrade but not go too wild since my truck isnt necessarily a power-house. When the clutch was first installed I didn't notice too much of a difference in the grab.



After I tried my truck at a local pull and using a higher gear (3rd-4lo) the clutch smoked all the way down the track, too say the least I was very concerned. The only weird thing was that when the clutch was totally engaged on take-off, it slipped and slipped for about 10 seconds until it just started grabbing by itself and grabbed good until the end of the track.



Once I consulted with some friends of mine, we just figured the reason it slipped and smoked so bad was because it hadnt been broken in yet. After that pull (and the smell of burnt clutch smell dissipated) the clutch grabbed excellent, never slipping once.



Well a few weeks ago I decided to take the ole' girl out for a spin (after a few drinks) I decided to take it out for a beat run. I wanted to do a burnout (dump the clutch in 3rd, 4. 10 gears) on some gravel that lead to a paved road. Well I got the tires spinning in the gravel but as soon as I hit the pavement, tires grabbed, RPM's stayed the same.



Ever since that stupid mistake the clutch has slipped more and more until the point I am at now, every time I give it more then 1/4 throttle the clutch slips.



I guess all I'm looking for with this story of a post is other stories with this clutch, and what I should look at doing. I am in college right now, I have two years left, I was hoping this clutch could last me because I can't afford to buy another one or pay for a rebuild!

 

[KKaufman]

I should change the name to "Barely proved itself"

 

[Dave M]

I installed my Con O last december and so far no problems but I don't pull with it or hot rod it... just daily driver. I am basically stock (except for 4 inch exhaust and AFE Stage 1 open air filter) right now till I get my #10 plate and 3K GSK.



I'd suggest calling Peter at SBC clutch and discuss it with him. I have read many posts all agreeing that they have excellent customer service.



Dave

 

[jkidd]

3rd gear burn outs and pulls are not good for a clutch, especially a single disk with softer facings.


Give peter a call and see if he will cover the abuse of your poor overworked clutch.

 

[Diesel Dummie]

Well you do know what you bought right!!!! O stands for Organic replacement, you should have never even gotten close to a sled with that or even tried a 3rd gear burnout. You pretty much destroyed a better than stock replacement clutch. With the mods in your sig you should have at least went with FE. DD

 

[GAmes]

If I was Peter I'd have no sympathy for you. If you play you gotta pay.

 

[scramblin]

If you get the right one, it could last your for ever. Oo.

 

[South Bend Clutch]

Let me just say... ... ... ... OMG



Peter

 

[BigPapa]

I've had my Con-O for quite a while and the only problem I've had with it is the sprung hub blew out after about 100K miles. This is not a SBC problem but a design problem with the smaller sprung hub. SBC no longer sells the smaller clutch that I have and it is plainly stated on their website that they will not warranty a blown hub. With that said, Peter and the gang sold me a new plate at a very reasonable price and got me going again. As soon as I can, I will be going to the larger clutch and at least the OFE, hopefully a DD if I can afford it.



You had a good replacement clutch, but I wouldn't look for any sympathy from SBC with the abuse you gave it, and I don't blame them. I wouldn't treat my Con-O that way and expect them to do anything about it.



Scott

 

[C. Harlan]

I will not run anything less than an FE... a lot of people say my 04. 5 is at the threshold with my smarty/juice stack, but I made 498/1036 and no slip! I would advise to always buy more clutch than what you need, that way it leaves room for adding more goodies. expensive advice, and a little too late... sometimes you have to learn the hard way!



-Chris-

 

[kentdiesel]

I figured out the problem: "Loose NUT behind the wheel"

When you get a clutch that doesn't slip your really going to see some damage.



Also, nobody needs to meet a crazy drunk in a 7000lb truck going down the road. Wise up, nothing good can come from drinking and driving.



I had a girlfriend in college that liked drinking and driving,

she never lived to graduate.

 

[GAmes]

I figured out the problem: "Loose NUT behind the wheel"

When you get a clutch that doesn't slip your really going to see some damage.



Also, nobody needs to meet a crazy drunk in a 7000lb truck going down the road. Wise up, nothing good can come from drinking and driving.



I had a girlfriend in college that liked drinking and driving,

she never lived to graduate.

Good point. And since he has 2 yrs to go, more than likely he is underage also.



OP, keep that clutch in your truck and replace it when your school starts teaching common sense and you aquire it.

 

[hsmith]

I've had no problems with SB's 13' conversion, but then I don't do even 1st gear burns!!!

Wisdom comes with age, most times.

 

[cArNiVaLwOrKeR]

I have the 13" OFE, and so far its held up with a few Semi agressive to VERY agressive Episodes, overall, happy, but wouldabeen happier with the DD, damn it, I guess Peter will be getting more money from me in the Future.



cArNiVaLwOrKeR

 

[BigPapa]

Well, I put a set of DD3's in this weekend and turned my Con-O into a slipper! I'll definitely be calling Peter.



Scott

 

[KKaufman]

I figured out the problem: "Loose NUT behind the wheel"

When you get a clutch that doesn't slip your really going to see some damage.



Also, nobody needs to meet a crazy drunk in a 7000lb truck going down the road. Wise up, nothing good can come from drinking and driving.



I had a girlfriend in college that liked drinking and driving,

she never lived to graduate.

I am sorry to hear about what happened with your friend and to clear up my sudden overwhelmingly negative record, I too am against drinking and driving. A cousin of mine burned to death after driving into a telephone pole on her way home from the bar 7 years ago.



I was by no means "drunk" the night this occurred, I was leaving one of my friends house that night after having litterally TWO drinks.



I definately should have looked for online advice before pulling with the Con O clutch. I instead took to heart the advice of friends and family who told me, there was no way i am making the power levels this clutch is rated to handle.



Mistake #1.



I was with two buddies who were giving me the whole, "lets see what this thing do" line over and over. I gave in.



Mistake #2



I innapropriately titled this thread as "Southbend Con O... Never proved itself before death"



Mistake #3



I am sorry for enraging so many with my story, but I guess I should have been more thorough, I am by no means completely ignorant when it comes to common sense items such as drinking and driving and knowing the limitations of my truck.



But I will admit I am young, dumb, and full of, well you fill in the blank. I am sorry to those who have offended especially you Kent and Peter at SBC, I never meant to give your product a bad name, I was just a little upset with what was going on especially since my school year had just began.



(P. S. I am of legal age, have been for almost a year)

 

[Dave M]

It takes Guts to admit when your wrong and apologize for it... my hats off to you. We have all make mistakes we weren't proud of and a real man can admit it, as you have done, and learn from it and go on. To put it in perspective, It's just a clutch and your engine is fine.



I'd talk to Peter about the clutch you need... possibly a CON OFE or even a DD. Those of us with SBC clutchs are loyal to the product because we know how honest and fair Peter and all those at SBC have been so the hackles were up.



Good luck with your next clutch choice.



Dave