-
TDR Magazine subscribers receive more than the magazine! You also gain additional forum privileges!
Details here: TDR Privileges
Subscribe to TDR Magazine here: https://www.tdr-online.com/
The $2200 Clutch Job From Hell AKA Avoid South Bend Clutch!
- Thread starter RobG
- Start Date
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.
Thanks, TDR Staff
- Status
OMG and I thought my site was pretentious
I'M REMOVING MY SB 2001 CON FE !!!
After Only 25,000 miles I am going to yank it out my SB CLUTCH . ... I loved the clutch from the start. I think I was the first to push it past 360hp on a dyno(Thanks PE COMP) and then after some help from DD'3s (Thanks Joe D and Diesel Dyn) I was some where around 400+. Peter was there at Maymaddness and him and BlairP? went for a ride. I ran it pretty hard. He (peter)was so confident in it..... I Kinda took it as a challenge!!!
So ever since that day I have abused that clutch Harder then I did my dads Ol' chevy Pu when I was 16 years old! (Sorry Dad!)
I have towed 40,000lb Motor homes out of sand bogs and numerous cars of the beach. And many more Broken cars back to the US border.
I have towed busses larger then a Grey Hound. (I have Pics)while seeing what gears it would break the tires loose accelerating from lights and stop signs. The Buss driver (After 65 miles at 65 to 75+ ) said it was faster then when the PROVOST Bus was Running. ( I offered to give him Hvacs and DD's Phone numbers! lol
I ran the 1/4 mile 15. 3 et @ 92 mph 105 outside temp (10+ Runs) in PHX @ Firebird raceway shifting with my Go foot planted on the floor. (I Toasted the old tires to complete baldness --- TOTALLY PETERS FAULT!!)
) I have towed at 28,220 GCVW and on rain grooved concrete with new tires And tried HARD to make it slip. I could go on but I will save you all the pain...
So after all this I happen to be talking to Peter and Told him I GIVE UP! So he says Ok I have a even better (smoother engagement) ETH style clutch for you to try.
Peter? Any chance You can Split the labor cost with me. I would settle for $275 dollars and I will pay the rest!
I better get the "Clang" in my driveshaft/Rear axle fixed first!!!
After Only 25,000 miles I am going to yank it out my SB CLUTCH . ... I loved the clutch from the start. I think I was the first to push it past 360hp on a dyno(Thanks PE COMP) and then after some help from DD'3s (Thanks Joe D and Diesel Dyn) I was some where around 400+. Peter was there at Maymaddness and him and BlairP? went for a ride. I ran it pretty hard. He (peter)was so confident in it..... I Kinda took it as a challenge!!!
So ever since that day I have abused that clutch Harder then I did my dads Ol' chevy Pu when I was 16 years old! (Sorry Dad!)
I have towed 40,000lb Motor homes out of sand bogs and numerous cars of the beach. And many more Broken cars back to the US border.
I have towed busses larger then a Grey Hound. (I have Pics)while seeing what gears it would break the tires loose accelerating from lights and stop signs. The Buss driver (After 65 miles at 65 to 75+ ) said it was faster then when the PROVOST Bus was Running. ( I offered to give him Hvacs and DD's Phone numbers! lol
I ran the 1/4 mile 15. 3 et @ 92 mph 105 outside temp (10+ Runs) in PHX @ Firebird raceway shifting with my Go foot planted on the floor. (I Toasted the old tires to complete baldness --- TOTALLY PETERS FAULT!!)
) I have towed at 28,220 GCVW and on rain grooved concrete with new tires And tried HARD to make it slip. I could go on but I will save you all the pain... So after all this I happen to be talking to Peter and Told him I GIVE UP! So he says Ok I have a even better (smoother engagement) ETH style clutch for you to try.
Peter? Any chance You can Split the labor cost with me. I would settle for $275 dollars and I will pay the rest!
I better get the "Clang" in my driveshaft/Rear axle fixed first!!!
Last edited:
Enuf allready!!!
silly question ...
i have a question for all the clutch savy ... mines an auto ...
how much grease you supposed to slop on the input shaft , also know what centrifical force is and does ??? where does all this grease that ain't in the clutch shaft splines go ???? i'll guess the clutch surface . now i'm just going on my car experience , but the clutch disc don't move alot on that shaft , does it ????
i have a question for all the clutch savy ... mines an auto ...
how much grease you supposed to slop on the input shaft , also know what centrifical force is and does ??? where does all this grease that ain't in the clutch shaft splines go ???? i'll guess the clutch surface . now i'm just going on my car experience , but the clutch disc don't move alot on that shaft , does it ????
RobG,
I had my South Bend ConFE installed a little after you did, and so far, I am 100% happy camper. BPine recommeded Dan's Transmissions in San Jose, and I watched while he did the install. I also know that he sent my flywheel out for resurfacing, as I saw it go out and come back, and saw how purty and shiny it was when Jim installed it. Cost me a tad over $500 for the install.
I am still absolutely thrilled with Peter, SBC, my clutch and Blair for putting everything together for me, including ordering and delivering the clutch to the shop, and scheduling the install for me.
Peter, sorry that this has turned out a negative experience, but I'd guess most businesses have at least one every once in a while. Your shop makes a great product, and it seems you have many, many times as many very satisfied customers on the TDR as you have unsatisfied ones. Keep up the great work and R&D into new clutches.
Tom
I had my South Bend ConFE installed a little after you did, and so far, I am 100% happy camper. BPine recommeded Dan's Transmissions in San Jose, and I watched while he did the install. I also know that he sent my flywheel out for resurfacing, as I saw it go out and come back, and saw how purty and shiny it was when Jim installed it. Cost me a tad over $500 for the install.
I am still absolutely thrilled with Peter, SBC, my clutch and Blair for putting everything together for me, including ordering and delivering the clutch to the shop, and scheduling the install for me.
Peter, sorry that this has turned out a negative experience, but I'd guess most businesses have at least one every once in a while. Your shop makes a great product, and it seems you have many, many times as many very satisfied customers on the TDR as you have unsatisfied ones. Keep up the great work and R&D into new clutches.
Tom
Never Happy with Anything
This guy is never happy with anything.
Check out his whining on this site about his camper;
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=24152&perpage=15&pagenumber=2
Cmon! the screws are in crooked????
He's also over on the iRV2 camping site complaining mightly about his Ram and his Lance.
He was told over there to get himself a PSD- he should! He oughta love the cackling!
This guy is never happy with anything.
Check out his whining on this site about his camper;
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=24152&perpage=15&pagenumber=2
Cmon! the screws are in crooked????
He's also over on the iRV2 camping site complaining mightly about his Ram and his Lance.
He was told over there to get himself a PSD- he should! He oughta love the cackling!
I just wanted to reply for the mechanicaly challenged people here. It's easy to say that it's simple to install a clutch or do any other mod. when you know how. I am a carpenter/cabinetmaker ( I'm not bragging but judging by some other work I've see by "professionals" I can honestly say that I'm better than alot of them but not all) and I see how misleading that TV home shows and how-to books can be to the average or unexperienced homeowner. That's why I'm not willing to experiment on my $38,000 baby by purchasing a service manual (because I know it's not as easy as it looks) and trying to do my own work when I know there is a good chance I could screw it up and it will cost atleast twice as much to fix it right. Believe me I am EXTREMLY envious of you guys that can do your own repairs, I wish I could, the mechanics at the Dodge dealer scare me
. Unfortuatly I, like alot of other people, are forced to pay and TRUST the "professionals". Sorry for the long post but I thought you should see our side.
and I see how misleading that TV home shows and how-to books can be to the average or unexperienced homeowner. That's why I'm not willing to experiment on my $38,000 baby by purchasing a service manual (because I know it's not as easy as it looks) and trying to do my own work when I know there is a good chance I could screw it up and it will cost atleast twice as much to fix it right. Believe me I am EXTREMLY envious of you guys that can do your own repairs, I wish I could, the mechanics at the Dodge dealer scare me . Unfortuatly I, like alot of other people, are forced to pay and TRUST the "professionals". Sorry for the long post but I thought you should see our side. 
Pleased with South Bend Clutch
I now have 12000 miles on my Southbend Clutch. It is smoother, reliable and works better than ever. I can tow a heavy 5er with confidence.
The installer is a diesel professional who is meticulous about his work. I think that his price was fair and he even called Southbend prior to the installation to make sure that all of the work was going to be done well including sending out something to be machined correctly.
Each of us has our own experience. Mine is postive.
Have a nice day.
I now have 12000 miles on my Southbend Clutch. It is smoother, reliable and works better than ever. I can tow a heavy 5er with confidence.
The installer is a diesel professional who is meticulous about his work. I think that his price was fair and he even called Southbend prior to the installation to make sure that all of the work was going to be done well including sending out something to be machined correctly.
Each of us has our own experience. Mine is postive.
Have a nice day.
Ya know, this thread is probably the best advertising SBC could ever have. I don't have their product as my clutch is still stock. I do not know Rob although I have chatted with him on the TDR chat.
Just an observation from a neutral party.
Conspiracy, no, I don't think so. Luck, yes.
Dennis
Just an observation from a neutral party.
Conspiracy, no, I don't think so. Luck, yes.
Dennis
Joseph Donnelly
TDR MEMBER
To address the question about how much grease to use on a clutch. . .
A very thin film is plenty on the splines. The throwout bearing has a recess in its bore to help keep the transmission front bearing retainer lubricated. The factory pilot (needle) bearing has captive lube and rubber lip seals. An oilite bronze bushing has oil impregnated, so should be installed without more oil or grease on it or the shaft. Furthermore, the grease used must be a high temperature grease, not cheap white grease that melts and flows onto the clutch facings.
As noted above, few things are as simple as they look at first glance. Few things that look simple cannot be done wrong. Folks who pay at least double the value of a job and then go back when there is a serious problem with the job and pay again, double again, have "their own level of credibility. "
I like and use my clutch man's product, not Peter's. However, I also have seen in my limited contacts with Peter of South Bend and with his customers that he offers an honest, quality product and conducts himself and his business professionally. Both he and I have found members of this forum who cannot be satisfied and whose expectations and abilities pretty much guarantee that problems will occur. Fortunately we have both found that the vast majority of TDR members and forum members are honest, reasonable, and great folks to be around.
A very thin film is plenty on the splines. The throwout bearing has a recess in its bore to help keep the transmission front bearing retainer lubricated. The factory pilot (needle) bearing has captive lube and rubber lip seals. An oilite bronze bushing has oil impregnated, so should be installed without more oil or grease on it or the shaft. Furthermore, the grease used must be a high temperature grease, not cheap white grease that melts and flows onto the clutch facings.
As noted above, few things are as simple as they look at first glance. Few things that look simple cannot be done wrong. Folks who pay at least double the value of a job and then go back when there is a serious problem with the job and pay again, double again, have "their own level of credibility. "
I like and use my clutch man's product, not Peter's. However, I also have seen in my limited contacts with Peter of South Bend and with his customers that he offers an honest, quality product and conducts himself and his business professionally. Both he and I have found members of this forum who cannot be satisfied and whose expectations and abilities pretty much guarantee that problems will occur. Fortunately we have both found that the vast majority of TDR members and forum members are honest, reasonable, and great folks to be around.
Joe Donnelly
Thank for the kind words. In my few meetings with you it was easy to see why people speak so highly of you. Whether you like it or not you have become quite a guru with the rammers of the world. Because I am so many years younger then you, I will make sure your name remains a legend. LOL
Peter
Thank for the kind words. In my few meetings with you it was easy to see why people speak so highly of you. Whether you like it or not you have become quite a guru with the rammers of the world. Because I am so many years younger then you, I will make sure your name remains a legend.
LOLPeter
Why should I even attempt to defend my position here? It is obvious that I am not welcome here. I have been flamed and insulted in more ways in this thread than I have in the past YEAR on any other forum.
To recap, and in no particular order:
- I was called chicken$hit, saying that I was slandering somebody, when all I did was state the facts.
- I was referred to as an idiot that had no idea what he was doing when modifying the truck.
- I was referred to as somebody with "too much money" because I have a lot of accessories on my truck. Gotta love class envy. Typical response from a closet liberal.
- I have been referred to as inept because I couldn't install my own clutch.
- My personal website has been intentionally mis-construed and used against me.
- It has been alleged that I am not happy with anything. This is partially true, because FOR VERY GOOD REASON I have had very poor service from quite a few vendors. Is it not possible to imagine that this can happen?
- A few people "appeared" to sympathize but it's easy to see that they are doing anything but that.
- The one person who posted to side with me was bashed as well.
Other observations:
- Peter, as a representative of SBC, has even flamed me personally. I think this illustrates a very bad attitude on the part of the vendor. He even went so far as to post a PRIVATE email that I sent to him PRIVATELY, as in NOT FOR PUBLIC USE. I was very frustrated when I wrote that email. VERY frustrated. Has anybody ever felt frustrated? I guess not. I must not be as perfect as the rest of you.
- People go on about how Peter gives such awesome service. I just don't see how this is possible unless he's giving them free stuff to boast about (e. g. the guy who is removing his clutch to get the better ETH clutch).
- The simple fact of the matter is that PETER PROMISED ONE THING AND DID ANOTHER. Nobody seems to be paying any attention to this.
- Yes, the current clutch is apparently working as it is SUPPOSED to. However, I do not see how anybody can tolerate something that grabs this hard.
One last time: The entire point of my post had nothing to do with the quality of SBC's products, but the simple fact that Peter at South Bend Clutch LIED TO ME AT LEAST TWICE. THAT is the whole problem. If he had come through as he promised originally, nothing negative about Peter or SBC as a company would have ever been said.
It's a shame everybody appears to act purely on emotion and chose to ignore the facts entirely.
Rob
To recap, and in no particular order:
- I was called chicken$hit, saying that I was slandering somebody, when all I did was state the facts.
- I was referred to as an idiot that had no idea what he was doing when modifying the truck.
- I was referred to as somebody with "too much money" because I have a lot of accessories on my truck. Gotta love class envy. Typical response from a closet liberal.
- I have been referred to as inept because I couldn't install my own clutch.
- My personal website has been intentionally mis-construed and used against me.
- It has been alleged that I am not happy with anything. This is partially true, because FOR VERY GOOD REASON I have had very poor service from quite a few vendors. Is it not possible to imagine that this can happen?
- A few people "appeared" to sympathize but it's easy to see that they are doing anything but that.
- The one person who posted to side with me was bashed as well.
Other observations:
- Peter, as a representative of SBC, has even flamed me personally. I think this illustrates a very bad attitude on the part of the vendor. He even went so far as to post a PRIVATE email that I sent to him PRIVATELY, as in NOT FOR PUBLIC USE. I was very frustrated when I wrote that email. VERY frustrated. Has anybody ever felt frustrated? I guess not. I must not be as perfect as the rest of you.
- People go on about how Peter gives such awesome service. I just don't see how this is possible unless he's giving them free stuff to boast about (e. g. the guy who is removing his clutch to get the better ETH clutch).
- The simple fact of the matter is that PETER PROMISED ONE THING AND DID ANOTHER. Nobody seems to be paying any attention to this.
- Yes, the current clutch is apparently working as it is SUPPOSED to. However, I do not see how anybody can tolerate something that grabs this hard.
One last time: The entire point of my post had nothing to do with the quality of SBC's products, but the simple fact that Peter at South Bend Clutch LIED TO ME AT LEAST TWICE. THAT is the whole problem. If he had come through as he promised originally, nothing negative about Peter or SBC as a company would have ever been said.
It's a shame everybody appears to act purely on emotion and chose to ignore the facts entirely.
Rob
- Status
Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
Advertising
Turbo Diesel Register
Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
Advertising
