Which Clutch

[DGamelin]

Just got back at 3 in the morning with a load with my SJR on level 2 for the first time and it slipped the clutch a couple of times. The truck is used for hauling only. We were only pulling about a 10K load. You guys know how it goes. This was a 2 day run, the closer you get to home the harder you drive the truck. I understood the stock clutch would hold up to level 2. The truck only has 50K miles on it, (04. 5). I've been doing some reading on here for these clutches, it's been making my head spin. I own a truck repair and trailers and tractors sales outfit. I don't have time to fix my own truck. I guess what I'm looking for is advice on which clutches you guys like. This is the most mods I'll ever do to the motor, I was only after fuel economy. South Bend or Center Force, what do you guys think? I don't want a noisy hard grabbing clutch.



Level 2 on the SJR while towing had a very noticeable MPG improvement over level 1. Can't explain it. You know how it is, once you've tasted the power you can't go back. I can't believe I got bit like this. I preach to my contractors custoers to leave their trucks alone if they're making a living with them. The search for the almighty MPG got the better of me.



Incredibly Aggravated with No Sleep #@$%!



__________________________________

93 2500 2WD XC 354 Auto 250K

04. 5 3500 4WD CC Dully 373 6-speed 50K

 

[JCasper]

I would recommend a clutch from South Bend.



Where are you located?

 

[AllianceDiesel]

either southbend, or I have installed a couple of valair clutches that have held lots of power and they are cheaper.

 

[smitty3500]

I too was in the same boat as you. I decided to go with the SouthBend Con OFE. Seems to be holding the power, but if you do not want added noise at idle in neutral do not opt for the new disc design. Ask for the old version.



We have the same truck and it will make noise!



If you go with the OFE and Flywheel! DO NOT use the Starter Spacer that comes with the kit!

 

[JCasper]

I too was in the same boat as you. I decided to go with the SouthBend Con OFE. Seems to be holding the power, but if you do not want added noise at idle in neutral do not opt for the new disc design. Ask for the old version.



We have the same truck and it will make noise!



If you go with the OFE and Flywheel! DO NOT use the Starter Spacer that comes with the kit!

New and Old design?



I must have the new design if those are the ones that rattle.

 

[smitty3500]

Yes the new design has rubber "slugs" around the disc and a better design to prevent failure. The "new" design does rattle. It is very border line to loud for me. I will give it a while and see if it quiets down a bit. If not I may switch to the original design.

 

[JCasper]

Yes the new design has rubber "slugs" around the disc and a better design to prevent failure. The "new" design does rattle. It is very border line to loud for me. I will give it a while and see if it quiets down a bit. If not I may switch to the original design.

After hearing how much mine rattles I regret not getting a DD. Then I could sledpull.

 

[Regcabguy]

clutch noise

I called up to Brown's Diesel and they confirmed that they'd installed two types of OFE's,the quiet one that's not as strong and the noisier one that apparently is a design change for strength purposes. I drove a 3250 DD in an '05 that surprised me with its driveability and low noise. You can definitely hear it in neutral with the clutch pedal out from the street,but inside it's not bad at all. I noticed minor gear clatter if you're bogging it,and the necessity to double clutch it going into second if not at a complete stop,which I do anyway with my stocker. Nice product.

 

[DGamelin]

I'm located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Back in the early 90's I owned a four wheel drive shop, and truck repair in Houston, Texas. Back then we used a lot of Center Force Clutches. It sounds like South Bend is the clutch of choice from what I've read on hear. I'm going to have to call them, I want a system that behaves like stock, but I suppose everybody does. I regret now not getting the 410 gears. I also preached to my customers to get the big gears if they're going to tow big and again I didn't practice what I preached, but I got a heck of a deal on a 18 thousand mile truck. What HP is the old style OFE rated for? Has anybody had one of these for alot of miles? I intend to use my original fly wheel. How necessary do you think the heavier duty hydraulics are? Do they actually make the clutch effort easier?

 

[Regcabguy]

Call Peter. I understand he's real patient and wants you to have the right clutch the first time.

 

[smitty3500]

OFE is rated for 450hp - 1000ft/lbs If I recall correctly.



If you do not want noise fromt the Disc I would tell Peter you want the old design.

 

[MSchneider]

i love my sbdd 3250. not very noisy. holds lots of power. very streetable. call peter very nice guy.
my stock clutch sliped on anything over level on with my smarty.