I need a new clutch...

BigClay

BigClay

Knower of useless ZJ things
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Location
Winston-Salem
I need a new clutch in my truck, it is not gone yet, but I could certainly smell it while towing last week, so want to plan ahead.

I don’t daily drive this truck but when I do drive it, it is either loaded up heavy or towing heavy. It is a 1996 Dodge with the v10. What clutches would you recommend?
 
Rock Auto has some nice options. I like LUK stuff for stockish replacements. There are some different material choices too. Hell, somebody probably makes a dual disc for it if you really don't want to have to worry about it any more....you probably don't need one though.
 
are dual discs for high horsepower high torque applications?
 
BigClay said:
are dual discs for high horsepower high torque applications?
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Yes. More friction interface surfaces for the same type of friction material (all else equal, just adding discs) means more torque holding ability. Also the best way to keep diaphragm pressure (spring pressure) low with a high torque clutch, as you can either add a lot of clamp load to a single disc, or just keep a light load with a multi-disc setup. Or, you can go smaller diameter and reduce rotational inertia (race engines).

I would bet that South Bend makes a dual disc for that truck, or McCloud. Probably in the $1300-1600 range if it's like most dual discs for trucks (that's normally with a flywheel too I think).

If it's stock-ish, the normal players for mild upgrade single disc clutches should work fine.
 
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Jody Treadway said:
I'm gonna be the one to say go with an OEM level clutch kit. Something like a LUK.
Reason is you have a stock V10, not a turned up deesalle.
Pedal feel on a HD clutch can get a bit bothersome too.
YMMV buddy.
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I'll second this. A stock gasser or diesel can get by just fine with a stock replacement clutch. How long has the current one lasted for example.

My old 6.0 psd had an upgraded South bend clutch, because the stock clutch was slipping with the tuner and bigger tires. South bend makes good stuff, but the pedal effort was much higher than stock.
 
I'm pretty sure you'd be fine with a stock replacement as well. If it were me, I'd get the LUK 05902. It's 244 bucks and listed under the heavy duty/towing options. There's also the LUK 05073 for 154, listed as standard/daily driver. I'd guess the HD one probably has a stiffer pressure plate. Both are an organic clutch disc, I believe. They have some kits that come with a new flywheel, but I'd assume yours is fine and could be resurfaced if need be.

If I'm not mistaken, the Valair clutch that's in my K30 has a LUK pressure plate. I think the only difference is the clutch disc material in my instance. I guess there are only but so many people that make pressure plates!
 
Jody Treadway said:
I'm gonna be the one to say go with an OEM level clutch kit. Something like a LUK.
Reason is you have a stock V10, not a turned up deesalle.
Pedal feel on a HD clutch can get a bit bothersome too.
YMMV buddy.
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X3

When my 01Ram CTD needed a new clutch, I pmd Transman on here, and he recommended a stock Luk clutch.
 
I’ve been looking at Phoenix friction for my next clutch in the k5. I’ve talked to a few guys that run them and they seem to have decent results. I definitely think you’ll enjoy the pedal of a stock replacement especially since you’re not driving it hard or anything. It’ll be a smoother friction point and not as grabby as a higher performer clutch.
 
Mac5005 said:
Luk has pressure plates with weighted rings for higher holding pressure with less or equal than stock pedal pressure ?
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Regular Luk pressure plate with the weights added by CF. If he's going to be launching his tow rig at 3000 rpm, there may be some value. Otherwise, probably not.
 
I had a center force in a a 97 F-350 with a 460 and a 5 speed the pedal force was terrible, if you were stuck in traffic it didn't take long for your leg to start quivering. I changed over to a LuK after the throw out bearing gave up on the center force and couldn't be happier. It is entirely possible that Center force makes different versions now that do not have this issue, that clutch was installed at least 10 years ago.
 
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