Ram questions

To rfhago s point, a mild dual disk Southbend like a DD3250 is smoother engagement and less pedal pressure than a stout single disk like an OFE, in my experince.
Not necessary to go with a DD clutch for the application we are talking about, but now that I'm on my second single disk SB clutch and having driven a few DD SB clutch trucks, I'd go DD from the get go.
Of course my single now rattles more than any DD clutch. Southbend did me a solid when I wore out the OFE and made me a one off full ceramic (buttons) single with a 3600lb pressure plate in an old school 3 finger design with roller tips.
Takes a lot of leg to disengage it, but it holds like no other single I've seen and rattles so loud with the rollers that my CR sounds like a 24V idling with the clutch engaged!
And the price was right. $500 + shipped to AK because the Rep at SB thought my clutch didn't last as long as it should have. Got 85kmi out of it only.
Lifetime SB customer here after service like that!

rhagfo wrote:

ScottG wrote:

rhagfo wrote:

ScottG wrote:

Flashman wrote:
Wow you guys are talking me into the manual. What is the clutch - I hope they improved on that POS duel fly wheel shite that was in my 06.

From what I understand, no. They are as failure prone as all the other makes that use (or used) them.
South Bend Clutch makes a great single to replace them though. (I use one)

If you are towing any weight, why go with a single disk clutch! :S

Because a single is more reliable and for this application, will hold just as well. It doesn't have anything to do with towing a lot of weight.
The SBC is just as smooth to use.

You do know the difference between a dual mass flywheel, and a dual disk clutch?

I agree the dual mass flywheel is junk, dual disk clutch is quite reliable and very simple, and twice the friction surface.

Uh yes, I have installed them.
Your one of those guys that just wants to argue and lacking complete knowledge of the subject, you get rude when pressed. You would be the only person in the diesel community that would chose a dual over a single setup for stock power (yes, it's mostly about NVH a little about power and has very little to do with towing heavy). That, along with your description of what RAM uses reinforces what I'm saying.
As a rule, I don't argue with someone who clearly knows just enough post junk. I will just tell folks to check out a site like The Turbo Diesel Registry to get accurate information.

I love my 6.7L Cummins with the G56 6 speed manual transmission. As noted they come standard with the 2 stage exhaust brake (auto or manual) but the exhaust brake works right down to 1,000 RPM in every gear with the manual. This makes low speed travelling through a campground very nice and not having to ride the brake pedal everywhere. The massive low end torque of the 6.7L combined with the exhaust brake make driving the manual transmission a breeze in the city; I watch traffic and coast up to traffic lights in fifth gear with the exhaust brake on. It is possible to get down to about 9-10 mph in 5th before the exhaust brake cuts out and then can pull away without touching the clutch or downshifting. It really is a piece of cake.

I tow a 16k lbs fifth wheel and my truck has absolutely no shortage of power in stock form. We pull some massive mountain passes here in BC with ease. I honestly didn't notice much if any difference in power with the auto equipped trucks I test drove and the numbers posted by Shinerbrock explain this.

I added a BD diesel 2 low kit recently to help with preserving the clutch while backing my trailer into tight spaces. It works extremely well and should gain me some more clutch life. When my clutch goes, I will replace it with a Southbend product; I'm not sure which one yet because I haven't researched it enough yet but Russ' posts have me thinking.

As you know, the Cummins has the zero launch feature which make driving the truck solo or loaded and on any grade a pleasure and a breeze.

I would buy the manual transmission truck again in a heartbeat. I also find driving it natural without thought and it is just downright fun. I drive a 2012 F-150 for a work truck and although newer autos are better than the past, I still prefer my manual especially when towing.

I would recommend going and driving one and let us know what you think!

ScottG wrote:

rhagfo wrote:

ScottG wrote:

Flashman wrote:
Wow you guys are talking me into the manual. What is the clutch - I hope they improved on that POS duel fly wheel shite that was in my 06.

From what I understand, no. They are as failure prone as all the other makes that use (or used) them.
South Bend Clutch makes a great single to replace them though. (I use one)

If you are towing any weight, why go with a single disk clutch! :S

Because a single is more reliable and for this application, will hold just as well. It doesn't have anything to do with towing a lot of weight.
The SBC is just as smooth to use.

You do know the difference between a dual mass flywheel, and a dual disk clutch?

I agree the dual mass flywheel is junk, dual disk clutch is quite reliable and very simple, and twice the friction surface.

rhagfo wrote:

ScottG wrote:

Flashman wrote:
Wow you guys are talking me into the manual. What is the clutch - I hope they improved on that POS duel fly wheel shite that was in my 06.

From what I understand, no. They are as failure prone as all the other makes that use (or used) them.
South Bend Clutch makes a great single to replace them though. (I use one)

If you are towing any weight, why go with a single disk clutch! :S

Because a single is more reliable and for this application, will hold just as well. It doesn't have anything to do with towing a lot of weight.
The SBC is just as smooth to use.

3500 SRW or Dually with Aisin and factory rear air ride is da CHIT!!!

I loved my 2003 RAM. But I don't miss the manual transmission. The new autos are nice.

ScottG wrote:

Flashman wrote:
Wow you guys are talking me into the manual. What is the clutch - I hope they improved on that POS duel fly wheel shite that was in my 06.

From what I understand, no. They are as failure prone as all the other makes that use (or used) them.
South Bend Clutch makes a great single to replace them though. (I use one)

If you are towing any weight, why go with a single disk clutch! :S

I replaced the stock single disk clutch in my 2001, with a DD organic, and could not be happier! Works smooth and HOLDS.
If I were to buy a new Ram with the G56, I might just have this done day one.
I have people ask me "doesn't shifting get old" not really, for me it is automatic really don't even give it thought.

The real plus is when I go to Ireland to see GD, I am still comfortable driving a manual, with the shift leaver, on my left. :)

Flashman wrote:
Wow you guys are talking me into the manual. What is the clutch - I hope they improved on that POS duel fly wheel shite that was in my 06.

From what I understand, no. They are as failure prone as all the other makes that use (or used) them.
South Bend Clutch makes a great single to replace them though. (I use one)

ScottG wrote:

Flashman wrote:

lc0338 wrote:
I had same concern going from manual to automatic.... however you should make sure and get the tow haul package with the engine brake. with both working together you will not miss your manual tranny :)

Well, you will miss it but.. it will be a happy miss

I thought the manual had the engine brake - my 2006 has one.

Your 06 must of had the EB added. They didn't come from the factory with them until the 6.7's with their VGT arrived.

Actually it was a local dealer installed option - but with full warranty from Dodge.