Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) what is the best clutch and why

[CMcDade]

I am looking to replace the clutch on my 99 4x4 5er ctd. There are several different makes and I don't know which one to choose. I was hoping some of you can tell me what you run and why along with experiences. I have a drag comp, 4" exhaust, stage one intake and will soon be installing a set of 275 injectors. Later I will be adding more goodies as money becomes available. I like the idea of converting to the 13" clutch. I will sometimes haul approx 10K lbs and do a lot of city driving. All suggestions are welcome, but please be specific about the advantages and disadvantages.

 

[darkhorse]

I'm running a South Bend con ofe. Its as smooth as stock with much better holding ability. The LUK clutch costs less but most likely wares faster because of the friction material.

 

[CMcDade]

the sbc con ofe is the way I was leaning towards. I just wanted to get some more opinions before I decide. I hate the thought of spending that much money and not being happy. Thanks for the input

 

[Mike B.]

What he said! The con ofe is the way to go. I would buy another one is a second. You also won't find better customer service anywhere.



Mike

 

[CMcDade]

is clutch chatter a problem on the sbc con ofe?

 

[JSykes]

the sbc con ofe is the way I was leaning towards. I just wanted to get some more opinions before I decide. I hate the thought of spending that much money and not being happy. Thanks for the input

CMcDade,



Give Peter at South Bend a call. Describe your truck, your mods, and your towing habits to him and he will recommend the best clutch for you. Peter is a great guy who stands behind everything he sells. He should be able to answer any questions that you may have.



Jay

 

[Got Smoke?]

CMcDade,



Give Peter at South Bend a call. Describe your truck, your mods, and your towing habits to him and he will recommend the best clutch for you. Peter is a great guy who stands behind everything he sells. He should be able to answer any questions that you may have.



Jay

So Jay you actually HAVE been listening to what I have to say?! :-laf



I had a 13" Con FE in a truck that was doing 430RWHP... . well with a clutch meant for 500RWHP there was some chatter! :-laf



However I have a friend running a 13" OFE in a 95 truck making probably around 400 RWHP and he absolutely loves it... . its smooth as silk and it holds great when he wants to play with someone on the interstate.



From your mods and your hauling weights as well as you saying you had plans for more HP maybe on down the line I think the 13" OFE is the ideal clutch for you.

 

[amillstream]

Go with the ofe. I've driven the ofe and one with the fe and the fe is a little too grabby for my taste. I can't say your experice would be the same but I can barely tell my ofe from stock and its never slipped once it is locked up, but won't handle being toyed with. For daily driving, and heavy towing its great. Just don't try building boost with it off the line when your trying to race your buddy! gotta go to duel disk for that stuff!

 

[rkressg]

I am on my third clutch, and I can say the SouthBend FE is the best so far. I have never gotten more than 50,000 miles out of a disk. I have been running the FE for 10k, and it runs very smooth with minimal chatter. I will eventually destroy this disk just like the rest, but I can say the FE is the best drivability clutch I have had in my truck to date.

-Rich

 

[Fred Swanson]

The SBC Con OFE 13 inch conversion kit would be the ideal setup for your 99 5spd.



rkessg, you'll be surprised at how long that FE disk will last. I put 25K on mine before switching to the SBC DD. It still looked new.

 

[Froadin]

OFE on mine, I can daily drive it, and pull my 5th wheel nicely.

As a matter of fact, I would say this clutch is smoother then stock in every situation except backing the 5th wheel up inclines. But I trust the OFE where as I didn't trust the stocker.

This clutch is still smooth running 328 HP while towing with a GCWR of about 21k. I did get a little chatter when pulling 15K trailer though