Father in law has a 92 reg cab 2wd 250 that is having some clutch issues. Clutch was replaced about 20K ago, mainly because the springs were getting weak and such, but went ahead and did the full monty repair on it. Pilot, clutch, resurfaced the flywheel, etc, etc. Now the clutch is chattering pretty badly, especially in reverse, but also at start out. Used an aftermarket clutch from NAPA which might have been the first mistake, but I dont know. First clutch looked to be original at 210K, and he put 80k of that on. The clutch disks didnt even look that bad at that time. Truck has been used to haul and deliver bison meat to farmers markets weekly, with about 500 miles per week, and has been doing this since he purchased it. Trucks not really ever loaded heavy, a small chest freezer of meat, some tables, etc, and two adults, but it does have a 3.07 rear end in it, and not for sure, but guessing a lot of 2nd gear starts. My personal thought is that might be part of the problem, but if the first lasted so long, I would think that shouldnt be much of an issue.

Do we need a new clutch hear again, or is there something forgotten or done incorrectly at last replacement? Wheres the best place to get a new clutch, recommended South Bend. Dodge wants a bunch of money for a replacement, and you have to get the whole nine yards to do it. South bend probably isnt any cheaper, but I would hope better. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,

 

when you change the disc and pressure plate did you use the tool that lines everything up?
also you have to tighten the bolts evenly on the pressure plate
did you grease the shaft and pilot bushing?
i know the getrag is very heavy and hard to line up when putting it back in.
i ran a pipe thru both wing windows and used a come a long to lift the tranny cuz it was to heavy to control it lining things up.

 

Engagement chatter is pretty common with the first gen, esp. in reverse. Why, nobody knows. Things to check: Motor mounts, trans mounts, rear spring bushings. If that doesn't do it you'll have to look at the clutch itself. Bad pilot bearing? Mine hops all over in reverse if I try to slip it but once it's engaged it holds fine.

1st gear starts are a waste of time for me, I always start in 2nd, but then I have the low gears.

 

Thanks for the info so far guys.

Regarding the last rebuild. It was done at a shop that does a fair amount of this type in medium and large trucks, so they should know what they were doing. How many dodges they have done, I dont know, but i will try to do some more digging.

Mr. Fade, I agree on the chattering on startup, our 93 does that also, not really a big issue and always pulls fine. I will have to look at all the mounts and stuff, that never really crossed my mind. I would hope the pilot isnt bad already, but then I would hope the clutch wouldnt be either. I know the biggest problem occurs when at the market. Have to back the truck up hill and parallel park with about 0 room between the vehicles ( they cram as many in as they can) thats when get the most chattering. Its just recently been an issue, so i would think that is was done right orginally, or else we would have seen it sooner. But I could be wrong.

2nd gear starts aren't a problem in the 3 trucks that have 3.54 and definitely the 4.11 truck, but this 3.07 truck does chatter/shake a little more at start out. Motor has no problem of course, but its well... just different.

I'll get back when i learn more.