I'm pretty sure that I need a new pilot bearing & clutch hub, so I have been looking at replacement clutches. (My stock clutch is not slipping.)

Valair suggested that I use their kevlar ceramic set-up. I'm worried that the clutch may be too grabby for maneuvering with the trailer and snow plow.

Can folks running a kevlar ceramic clutch comment on its engagement feel?

And 'cause someone is going to ask: The pilot bearing makes noise sometimes, and the clutch will fail to disengage if loaded while the engine is not running. The clutch has a tinny rattle that is getting progressively worse in the 13-1500 rpm range. If I am going to dive into the bell housing, I'm probably going to replace the clutch, regardless of what is wrong.

Thanks!

Alec

 

i ran a full kevlar briefly and hated it. super grabby. not sure on the valair.

 

Well they say Ceramic clutches are "IN/OUT" clutches (they're so grabby theres hardly a way to slip them)

so i can't imagine a combination. sounds crazy. Get a stock replacement 13" clutch. They're on ebay, it doesn't actually SAY "sachs" clutch in the ad but "Sachs" is clearly stamped on the Pressure plate in the picture, and its iron

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/88-89...Q5fAccessories

 

That e-Bay ad is a good deal, no doubt, but a stock replacement clutch is out. I'll just tear the damper in it apart again -- I'd rather go for the x-misson next time . Seriously, though, the way my pump is set up I can actually pull down in the 12-1500 rpm range, and I am pretty sure that is what has killed the damper in my clutch disc. If I am going to bother to fix it, I want to put in a new flywheel with a ball pilot bearing and room for a heavy duty damper.

 

Get a 2nd gen 00-02 6 speed flywheel like i did and get a clutch for a 6 speed truck. That opens your options to like 848589 different clutches and you get a pilot needle bearing. but when you order the 6spd clutch you just have to make sure you get the 1 1/4 input becuase that's what the getrag is. you'll need a starter spacer too

Why not a drop in Southbend CON-OFE or CON-FE with the flywheel and all ?

 

Well, the Southbend clutches are an option, too. But, they are a little more spendy, and it seemed that after a rough start, Valair was getting a good reputation.

I figured I'd buy a "conversion" flywheel for the $2xx and be done with it -- don't even need to move the starter.

FWIW, I don't think those Torrington style pilot bearings are nearly as good as an appropriately sized ball bearing.

I really just wanted to see what folks who had tried the kevlar ceramic combo Valair discs had to say about the engagement feel. Maybe nobody on here has tried 'em?

 

Yea Valair has excellent service and they really know their stuff.

That bearing is good enough to go 189,000 miles in my buddy's 01 6spd. never had a clutch or anything until 189k, no noises either.

 

I tried to get more info from Valair (again via e-mail) and didn't hear back, so I shot a request off to Southbend . . . Got a voicemail & e-mail back the next day, and they addressed the specific points I had raised.

So, I just ordered the Con-o kit, and if it was a little more than the valair product, at least some of the money went to keeping the forums going -- seemed like a no brainer in the end.