Towing clutch?

[mconstable]

Hello all... I've been researching a new clutch, and would like input/advice.

Application is '03, 6 spd.

Daily driver... tow a 16,000 lb. fifth wheel fairly frequently... only power upgrade is Smarty, but if the injectors or turbo ever let go, I'd upgrade.

Thanks!

 

[daytripper63]

get the Southbend clutch OFE

I have the CON-FE and it is a rather grabby in reverse so I put it in 4 low when backing the trailer

 

[JCasper]

I just put in an OFE this week.



It's a bit grabbier then I though it would be, but I still think it will tow just fine.



I am running a Smarty and TST so I am curious to see how it holds.

 

[MamthTorq]

Get the OFE, I ran the FE for about 50k, then one of the spings broke and caused other problems. So I replaced it with the redesigned OFE, they now have sealed/covered springs, and use a stronger hub. The OFE is about 25% less grabby then the FE going forward, and about 50+% less grabby in reverse. If the load is real heavy I still have to shift into 4-low. I have been happy with it so far, I just hauled a load back from Cali, and my gross weight was 31,000 lbs, and the clutch got the load moving perfectly.

Also if you are concerned about it holding later on if you add more power later Southbend rates the clutch good for for 450+ rwhp, but if you search around here alot of people have 500+ with no slipping. hope that helps

 

[mconstable]

Thanks guys... the OFE was the one I thought was going to get the most votes.



I'm surprised nobody chimes in about the Centerforce clutches, they've got a good rep in the hot-rod crowd.

 

[daytripper63]

Thanks guys... the OFE was the one I thought was going to get the most votes.



I'm surprised nobody chimes in about the Centerforce clutches, they've got a good rep in the hot-rod crowd.

I ran a Centerforce clutch for a while and it held 431 H. P. fine until I put on some 22. 5 Alcoa 10 lug wheels and with duallies on the rear coming in at a weight of 600+ lbs for 4 tires and rims it took its toll on the clutch PLUS the Centerforce clutch bites harder as you gain RPM and with the TST when I dialed up the low end torque it would slip but if I left the TQ setting at 1 / 2 or 3 and dialed up the upper it would hold good. .

But since I got the Southbend FE I can run any setting I wish and the only thing slipping now are the duallies

 

[WMonroe]

I going to vote for a sbc 3250 dd. Pedal pressure is very good and it holds. The new ductile version is also very affordable.

Just going with a different option then everyone else. :-laf

Will

 

[oneshotkyle]

your first three votes were from fellas with 02' and older truck. they don't come close to the power difference of your 03' with smarty. my vote goes to the south bend double disc cause iv'e already had two single disc failures before and have had zero issues even with my truck all turned up and loaded to 24k. so i vote for 3250 spring dampened double disc. and peter at south bend takes care of his customers bar none... ... .....

 

[daytripper63]

your first three votes were from fellas with 02' and older truck. they don't come close to the power difference of your 03' with smarty. my vote goes to the south bend double disc cause iv'e already had two single disc failures before and have had zero issues even with my truck all turned up and loaded to 24k. so i vote for 3250 spring dampened double disc. and peter at south bend takes care of his customers bar none... ... .....

I think you might look at the Sigs again ... I see my 03 next is a 04. 5 and then a 2000 and by the way I am over 516h. p. now and holding fine

 

[oneshotkyle]

oops my bad. but you have the FE and are recommending the OFE? i had a hard time with the FE at 561hp. not even towing, just hot rodding around. and same with the second FE which didn't last much longer(1200miles).

do you tow the 16,000 he would be towing frequently and how well did that do for you?

my DD has always been less grabby than the 2 FE's i had and i can flat foot the throttle through the gears towing heavy all turned up. hasn't had a hint of fatigue or failure. thats why i would recomend the DD due to my experiences with both, and the towing heavy weight's.

 

[daytripper63]

oops my bad. but you have the FE and are recommending the OFE? i had a hard time with the FE at 561hp. not even towing, just hot rodding around. and same with the second FE which didn't last much longer(1200miles).

do you tow the 16,000 he would be towing frequently and how well did that do for you?

my DD has always been less grabby than the 2 FE's i had and i can flat foot the throttle through the gears towing heavy all turned up. hasn't had a hint of fatigue or failure. thats why i would recomend the DD due to my experiences with both, and the towing heavy weight's.

I tow between 10k and 12k and like to tow hot, I am the guy in the passing lane going up hill with the 5er on the back, the FE holds nice I even broke the duallies loose shifting into second while towing. I figure most people dont tow as hot and heavy footed as me and my only gripe with the FE is trying to back my trailer. I guess if you have a 4x4 and can shift into 4 low when backing then I would recommend the FE cause all forward gears are fine

 

[oneshotkyle]

your still 2/3's the weight he wants to pull daytripper, and that will make a hell of a difference. come up here to oregon and i'll show you some grades you won't be passing much. LOL.

 

[TCluff]

I Ran A Luke Pro Gold Ceramic Very Hard/abused It Was Still Working Good When I Pulled It Out For A 3850dd Also Inexpensive...

 

[JCasper]

your still 2/3's the weight he wants to pull daytripper, and that will make a hell of a difference. come up here to oregon and i'll show you some grades you won't be passing much. LOL.

Do you live in Oregon?

 

[oneshotkyle]

Jcasper..... yep, over here in prineville.

 

[100 Proof]

I run the mods in my signature and tow about a 9,000# trailer with my OFE. Zero problems to date with 50,000 miles on the clutch. I pulled a bunch of Oregon hills and even steeper Idaho hills last weekend with ease.



BTW, with a rented heavy duty transmission jack, this was one of the easiest clutch swaps I've ever done, and I've done plenty.



100 Proof

 

[RGH43]

I am also going to have to put in a new clutch, I burnt the stock clutch backing up the fiver & riding the clutch. Other wise I am sure I would not be asking this question. I may increase the HP some in the future with a chip or something in will also be pulling 16K or more.



That said what clutch should I get to meet these needs and not have to have someone help me push the clutch in all the time. Is there a slave cylinder I should get to assist in helping when pushing the pedal in?