dragr1 wrote:
blofgren wrote:
dragr1 wrote:
Southbend single disc clutch is in, truck drives so much better already.
Now I'm looking into this to help backing the camper:
BD 2wd Low kit
I installed the BD 2 low kit a couple of years ago and it works great. MUCH easier on the clutch while backing the trailer.
What differences have you noticed with your new clutch? My OE clutch is still fine at this point but I know that I too will be dealing with a replacement at some point and am interested in people's experiences with various styles.
The clutch engagement has more feeling rather than just being a lazy noodle like the stock clutch. The engagement seems to be lower in the travel rather than at the top of the travel like stock. Pedal is a little stiffer but at least it feels like a clutch now. The gear shifter moves a lot less now-mine seemed to shake a lot more than it should of in gear. Of course my transmission was a quart low on fluid-thanks Ram-so we ending up adding 2 full quarts to it. I stayed with the stock fluid for now but will probably switch to the Mercedes recommended fluid at some point. I haven't put the break on miles on it yet but just driving around the truck feels stronger. I've long suspected that my clutch was faulty since day one and that some sensor knew that and was cutting power to compensate. So I'm eager to get the break in miles on it and hook up to the camper.
Gear rollover noise isn't that bad and is only noticeable below 1000 rpm.
My stock disc wasn't too bad but it had gotten hot as indicated by the blue hue ring on the stock pressure plate and flyweel.
Thanks for the feedback; it sounds pretty good. I'm still on the fence as to whether or not to go with the dual disc.
I think you will really like your truck now that you have that issue resolved. Mine pulls our 16k lbs fiver with power to spare and easily tows in sixth gear even on moderate grades. The mountain passes around here will put me down a gear or two on extreme grades but that is to be expected.
