DennisT

I probably didn't ask the question very well in the subject line. In older rigs, with a properly adjusted clutch, when engagement occured with the foot pedal almost all the way up (or out), it often indicated a clutch disk that was nearly worn out. I realize my '97 5-speed has a hydraulic clutch, so things might be different. And I don't have a shop manual, (need advice as to which is good one to get). My clutch engages about 2 inches from the top of pedal travel. I'm just wondering if this is common for these?

Where would I find clutch adjustment info?? (free play, if used, etc.) Anything on line?

Thanks,
Dennis

billp102740

How many miles and hows your CTD used ?? The pedal is high from day one and its not adjustable . Haynes is the cheapest manual but not near as complete as the factory Dodge manual . Also please fill in your signature , it helps on answering ????

roughstock

the 97s are not adjustable. only 98-up are. Sounds like clutch is worn out or maybe flywheel. My new South Bend clutch ( Con O 13") came with a new flywheel. The engagement is smooth and is closer to the floor rather than top of pedal travel. Do you have trouble shifting the 5 speed? (grinding, having to shift slow it avoid grinding, or hard to put into gears?
If the clutch is going out, I would suggest a South Bend Clutch.
If you have any performance mods and or pull heavy loads, SBC is the way to go, or even if your truck is stock, they will hold up better/longer.

I've learned the hard way($$$), 3rd clutch is finally a SBC. Now, no more problems.

Fill out your signature, it makes it easier for people to diagnosis problems if we know what your truck is and what mods you have. I see you just joined, I joined not too long ago and have been impressed with this site and the amount of info here.

Box5

yea it sounds like a worn out disc, mine engages right after i start letting the pedal out

DennisT

Thanks for the comments. I have no intention of using truck in hard service and only occasional, modest trailer hauling. (Like...4 times a year, if that) The clutch acts fine, smooth engagement, no noises, and there is still pedal travel after full engagement. Also, I can't get it to slip. Shifts fine. So I don't see any immediate problem; I'm just beginning a long list of doing homework and learning the truck. Expect to start fluid changes for everything. Have a kit for putting low lift pump pressure LED in dash. Won't get to that for a bit. Ball joints and torque rod are fine. Center main steering link (connects to little shock absorber), seems to have some slop in it's ends, and one mechanic says that is fine the other mechanic says it's worn.

My concern for clutch is I do not yet fully know the characteristics for this Dodge, and I REALLY like good, smooth clutches.

Your remarks worry me now a bit. The comment about engagement being high from the factory is encouraging, and might suggest that mine is actually not too bad.

Anxious to learn,
Oh, I did a little on my signature.

Tnx, Dennis

Common

Don't worry about it...

Mine does the same thing...

If your clutch doesnt slip/grind into gears I'd think you are in the 100% safe zone...

Drive it until it lets up then worry about changing it...

I asked the same question when I first got my truck...

DennisT

Thanks, DigBullet. I feel a little better now. I think the other replies I received are good too, especially the remarks about aftermarket clutches and general background information. About 18 months ago we were moving, I needed a truck, had little money because of house sales/switches, and this same dealer friend sold me a truck. I wanted a Cummins, but not having the money I got a 1992 Chev 1-ton 6.5 TD with 165K on it for $4500 from him. It did the job, but the Chev diesel worried me and the trans started dripping. I did a lot of service work but never really felt confident it the truck and my wife did not like the Chev. Plus I hate the cheap Chev cabs. So I ran into this Dodge he got and did a trade in. Now I'm scrambling to learn the Dodge. HUGE difference between the Chev (even having been a 1-ton), and this Dodge. The Dodge acts like a real truck and I'm sick of worrying about auto trans in pickups. And I don't drive in cities much, so I enjoy a stick.

Lastly, back to my clutch worries...this trade-in/purchase all happened over the past 5 days and I'm now in the, "good-grief, what'd I do?" period. So a lot of my feelings are merely re-evaluating what I really have.

Need to search this forum for, "newby care and feeding of Cummins," too.

Thanks,
Dennis

Dennis

lews930

according to Dan(I believe his name) at valair clutch in Texas, it should engage between the bottom and middle of the clutch pedal range. If it engages too high( like middle and higher, you will burn the clutch up at high speeds) Simply said, it sounds like your clutch is in need of replacement!

good luck

arroyojim

my clutch went from feeling fine (as far as i could tell anyway, as this is my 1st ctd) to cold busted pretty quick. i am still not 100% sure what the problem is, but suspect the pilot bearing, which apparently will commonly wear out b4 the clutch. if it starts getting difficult to get into gear, esp 1st and rev, be careful.
see http://quad4x4.com/tech%20article%20index.htm
for some nv4500 info.

Common

Looking for other opinions...

plow

Mine engages high too. Always has.

Dartmouth 12V

Mine has always engaged extremely high as well. I replaced the stock clutch at 185k and the new one engages in exactly the same place. Like others have said, it doesn't slip but it sure worries me. I have a new set of clutch hydraulics sitting here that I am going to put in as soon as I have enough time and I will see how it is then.

GAmes

Mine engages above mid travel and always has. I've replaced the clutch linkage twice due to failures. I'm on my 4th clutch and PP, this time an SBC ConO. If it isn't slipping don't worry about it, high engagement is normal.

steverctx

Mine hits high....always has....