turbosmoker

So I'm still looking for a new clutch. My only Performance mod is Smarty JR
And don't plan anymore anytime soon. I was first looking at a DD3250
But I've never driven a DD are they streetable for daily driving? Is a Valair better then a Southbend? Would love some imput please from those that have
Either of these two brands or types. Thanks guys!

85glht

I'm running a dual disk from Valair. It is their organic unit and they claim it will hold 1000 ft/lbs. of torque. I'll never make that much. I only have 1000 miles on it and so far so good. It is a heavier pedal and the clutch makes noise when depressed ( it is the middle plate making the noise). But most important it doesn't slip!!

rockcrawler304

I can't speak from experience but I am going Valair DD later this year. I have done lots of research and this seems to be the best choice.

Spooler

Valair is a cheap Southbend knock off....LOL

turbosmoker

Someone told me a DD had no friction zone so the clutch is either engaged or it's disengaged is this true? Wish I could just test them all first

Adaminak

Not true. It all depends on the material. A DD ceramic is going to grab a lot harder and faster than a DD organic. I've got a kevlar/ceramic and if smooth engagement is a concern, I strongly recommend you stick with organic! There's just no way to slow-speed ease into the clutch smoothly without fuel like you can do with the stocker, but a DD organic is going to be a lot better than any of the upgrade materiels.

If you're going to add power later on down the road, the DD organic is a great idea, but if all you're going to do is the JR, the premium organic is more than enough clutch. As far as determining who to buy from, I'd suggest a phone call to both and see who answers your questions to your best satisfaction. In my case, I went with Valair because they were open and Southbend was already closed when I finally got a chance to take my break at work.

turbosmoker

Thanks guys. I'll be giving each one a call this week. Anyone with a Southbend have an opinion?

blue_bandit

I have a southbend 3250 DD with about 15k miles on it, and it has been great. I feel the streetability is good, but everyone's opinion is different. I just hooked up to a sled last week and it worked flawlessly. I would buy the same clutch again if given the choice.

johnh

cheap? i don't think so!.............knock off? maybe

Spooler

From what I have seen of pictures with issues over the years with Valair, I wouldn't touch one with a ten foot pole.
Cheap made, high price.

cstewart

Going with Garmon's!!
NOT CHEAP, but I figure I stand a better chance of damaging the motor than damaging the tranny after he gets done with it. Major tranny overkill with this upgrade. Of course my goal is daily driving @ roughly 450-500 hp with little to no real towing other than the occasional skid steer/ travel trailer to the nascar track. My theory is "One and done"!

ModManiac

Didnt know they made a clutch.

cstewart

FYI:
I pulled this from his site...don't know if this is against "the rules" here but, www.garmonsdieselperformance.com

Triple Disk Converters
Billet Input, Intermediate, and Output Shafts
SFI approved Billet flex plates
Billet Drums and Upgraded Clutches
Fat Shaft Billet Input Shafts

catnfool

I think you missed that he doesn't have an auto?

brians06dodge

I ran the SB 3250 DD for 7 months with no issues. I then started sled pulling with it and my first pull the truck was stock with a Smarty Jr and had no issues. I did the pull in 3rd gear in 4x5 low.

Second pull I had done the mods in my sig and am at about 580 hp. Did the pull in 4th gear 4x4 low and the 3250 did not hold up. It was no fault of the clutch I was doing more then the clutch was designed to do.

I turned around and got a SB 3600 DD SFI certified clutch and have 2 hooks on it with out any issues.

My truck is also a daily driver.