CORam2

I am going to need a new clutch in my '06 soon. I have been searching and researching this site and many other places and am still undecided whether to stay with the dual mass flywheel or convert to a single mass. I know a lot of people recommend the South Bend conversions but I'm not going to get a South Bend clutch. Hear me out...I'll tell you why.

My truck is bone stock and I don't plan on modifying it at all.

I used to work at a Napa store so I can get an employee discount there, which means I can get clutch parts for pretty cheap...which is why I'm probably not going to do a South Bend clutch.

Napa makes a single mass flywheel conversion clutch package that will cost less than half the price of the clutch and flywheel if I go with the dual mass setup.

Has anyone used the Napa conversion? Here are the part numbers and links to the parts for reference:

SMF conversionDMFI don't care how rough, or jumpy things are. I'm worried about the increased stress levels that would be seen by the rest of the drivetrain if I convert to the single mass. The DMF was obviously engineered into the drivetrain for a reason. I want this to be as reliable as possible so I'm tempted to stay with the DMF but given how much cheaper the SMF is, it would obviously be easier on the wallet, now and next time.

What do you guys think? Is it worth trying the Napa conversion? Anyone running this conversion out there?

CORam2

BTW, the Napa single mass conversion clutch is made by Zoom.

Danderson

That's a tough question. Everyone converting to the smf reports varying levels of increased noise and vibration. The plus is the increased clamping power and simplicity. I'm going to have to make that same decision soon also. Southbend carries the original LUK dmf also I believe.

CORam2

Yeah like I said I don't mind the noise or vibration, it's just the rest of the drivetrain that I'm worried about. I would rather not do this conversion and then wear out transmission and/or transfer case bearings sooner because of the vibration that is now not absorbed by the flywheel.

I do like the simplicity of the SMF though.

I don't think clamping force should be an issue either way considering that my truck is stock.

nelrod

How many miles did you get on your stock clutch?

CORam2

I'm at 75,000 miles right now. It isn't slipping or anything but I've been having to let the clutch out almost all the way before it engages. I don't like waiting for things to begin failing before fixing them because it always happens at the worst times, so I was going to replace it now.

I guess that's another question...do these symptoms indicate that the clutch is going to go out soon? Or do clutches last a long time, even when the pedal must be released all the way before engagement? Maybe I don't even need a clutch for a long time still?

How long do the factory clutches usually last?

Sorry, I've had a lot of questions running through my mind...I hope I'm not overloading.

Danderson

I think Perfection Clutch manufactures the NAPA unit. In the last issue of the TDR is an ad for that exact clutch and stock#. It says non-self adjusting so I assume an aftermarket adjustable unit would be necessary. part# MU52179-1SK. www.perfectusa.com/tdr. $390 from Summit. The tech dept says this clutch is good for 400hp and 800# torque in an e-mail. I don't think this is rwhp. They have a tech line.

CD in NM

When I need to replace my clutch I am going with the DMF. It takes out the excessive vibrations that our trucks are known for. If you go to the SMF, the vibrations will go to your tranny more than they do now. I'd rather keep them properly incheck with the DMF.

I plan to install the Southbend DMF, 3250, and the upgraded hydraulics. I'd rather invest more and do it once, than invest less and do it twice or even three times or more. The Southbends go quite a long time, could outlast the engine and the rest of the truck going into a basically stock truck.


CD

mitternocht

Throw a Fluidampr on the front of the crank. It will lessen some of those vibrations when running a solid flywheel.

Bozy

Have you thought about just having the flywheel turned rather than replacing it? If you did that you would save the $$ and be able to stay with the OE setup.

Danderson

The Southbend 3250 DD is a SMF conversion. To my knowledge SBC doesn't manufacture an upgraded DMF setup.

CORam2

That's kind of the direction I'm beginning to leaning.

Do the Fluidamprs really help reduce vibrations felt by the transmission and the rest of the drivetrain after the clutch?

I thought about that, but a lot of people say it's very difficult, or expensive. I'm going to be doing the clutch replacement next time I drive to Colorado for a weekend to visit my parents because my dad has a lift and a lot more tools in his shop, so I won't have a lot of time to do be trying to get it turned, as I'll have to be back to work on Monday. I figured I could try to have it turned sometime later and hang on to it for the next clutch replacement.

CD in NM

I have not spent any time checking out the Southbend products, that actually is something I planned on doing here in a few weeks. I did e-mail Southbend, told them how I used mytruck, that was their recommendation. IF the 3250DD is a SMF conversion, then it's coming off my list of considerations for the clutche replacement.

I only plan to install a DD in my truck, I do not want tranny problems down line due to the vibrations. I was also considering the fluidampr install at the same time just because it does also reduce vibrations. Doing the hydraulic upgrade seems to also be a smart idea, actually more or less a no-brainer even if you were only going with a stock clutch replacement. Having the adjustability is a plus.

CD

patdaly

CD, the SMF conversions vibrations will not affect the trans at all.

It is there to comfort wimps......... IMHO you lose a ton of reliability for a very little bit of comfort.

CORam2

Do you have information to support this? That's really what I'm looking for.