Southbend Con OFE Install

[KBertetto]

Finally got it in, It's been sitting in a box in my garage for almost a year. Thats what happens when you get newborn twins. Anyway, the install went extremely well, no hiccups. I won't go as far as to say it was easy, because it wasn't. It's a minimum 2 men with mechanical ability job, 3 is ideal. My observations are as follows:



1. Take your time!!! We did it in 7 hours.

2. Use a proper jack, the NV5600 is a beast that you don't want to handle.

3. Jack the truck up at least 8 inches all around, 4 ramps are ideal.

4. When installing the new pressure plate/clutch, the torque rating is 20 ft. lbs. Go around about 6 times and push up on the bottom to ensure alignment tool can slide in/out freely. If you don't push up, the alignment tool is very hard to move, which translates into the trans being even harder to re-install.

5. Re-installing the NV5600 is no easy job, it WILL NOT go back in unless it's perfectly aligned. Keep trying to re-align until it's perfect, you'll be surprised at how easy it goes back.

6. Remove/install the top starter bolt from the wheel well.

7. Just remove the exhaust downpipe clamp before you start pulling transmission, trust me, you have no choice. The pipe has to be moved over about 1½ inches to clear the bell housing.

8. I love the Con OFE, it's extremely smooth, and quiet too. I've heard some complain about how noisy it is, mine isn't, I actually think it's quiter... . go figure.

9. Use a proper torque wrench, can't emphasize that enough.



That's all I can think of, if you have any questions, just let me know, I'll pass on any info I can.



Bert

 

[Motorhead]

I just got mine for my '07. Looking to do it this wednesday. Only difference is mine is the G56.
Did you leave the transfer case mounted to the trans?
You say "WE did it in 7 hours". did you need two people for the whole install? Thanks

 

[Slow Six]

I did mine last November by myself. I left the transfer case and transmission together but I had an very good transmission jack, one that is made for transmissions in the big trucks. I did have some trouble getting the transmission back in but a little adjusting and just the right jiggle and push it popped in. Everything does have to lined up just right. I think most of the main points were covered by the first post. The instructions that came with the clutch were good.

 

[steved]

Was the hub of yours all springs or springs and polyurethane?? Mine's very noisey and I attribute it to the poly...

 

[Slow Six]

They were springs and poly. South Bend told me it would be noisy and it is. They were right up front about and I was told if the noise was a problem I should select a different clutch. I still went with the Con OFE because it is the right clutch for my application and it does work well.

 

[KBertetto]

I just got mine for my '07. Looking to do it this wednesday. Only difference is mine is the G56.

Did you leave the transfer case mounted to the trans?

You say "WE did it in 7 hours". did you need two people for the whole install? Thanks

I would say it's definitely a 2 man job, 3 is a bonus when re-installing because you can have one guy at the rear pushing and 1 on each side adjusting/stabilizing. I removed the transfer case as it was very easy to remove and get it out of the way. The transmission is large/heavy enough as it is, I didn't see the need to add to the bulk.



As far as "needing" 2 people for the whole job, no, not necessary. I had everything removed (driveshafts, starter, skid plates/exhaust pipe moved/transfer case/ etc... ) by the time my help showed up. The only time I highly recommend getting help is the actual transmission removal/install, and also when installing flywheel... it's nice to have somebody hold the flywheel and another get the first couple bolts started.



Also, mine is springs/poly... and it really is quiet, maybe it just needs some time to break in and then the noise will start. I'm using the factory hydraulics too, pedal is a shade stiffer, but works well with very smooth engagement.



Bert