Hey, I bought a 2001 2500 5 speed last year, it has a lot of upgrades and aftermarket stuff (webasto, J brake, extra leaf springs, etc) I'm doing a clutch job and having a hell of a time.

I picked up a new clutch/PP at NAPA and noticed that they were too small, after some research I figured it was a 13" upgrade, so I ordered the 6 speed clutch/PP, but that clutch is too small. The clutch I pulled out is 12.75". Anyone have any info on that?

Also the pilot bearing is a sealed roller bearing, not a tiny needle bearing like comes in the kit. I'm also having a hell of a time finding a new one of those.

At this point I'm just going to put the old clutch/pp back in, cause they are actually in pretty good shape. (it was the TB that failed) but I really need to find a replacement pilot bearing. And I would love to know where to get a clutch for next time.

Thanks, Gretchen

 

South Bend Clutch - Dodge clutch kits and Kevlar Pilot Brgs. Dnya Max Clutch Kits for high performance.

Valair Performance Series Clutches

Give either one of those 2 a call on Tuesday and they can sell you what you need.

I like SB, others swear by Valair, I think it is just a Coke/Pepsi thing.

On edit, I did a little searching, looks like you were right, upgraded part.

Dodge Cummins 12 & 24 Valve 5 Speed Performance Clutches

QU51010 Roller Clutch Pilot Bearing for Dodge Cummins Diesel Engines

 

Sounds like the previous owner already replaced the clutch with either a Southbend or a Valair. Was there no manufacture identifications anywhere on the pressure plate or disc?

As for sizes, the 5 speed and the early 6 speed transmissions came with the 12.25" clutch disc. After 2000 the 6 speeds came with the 13" disc and a larger input shaft. But they all have the same size flywheel size. The smaller clutch pressure plate just taps into it different.

To achieve the best leverage with an aftermarket clutch, most quality aftermarket clutch kits will come with a new flywheel and 13" clutch to replace your 12.25 clutch.

As noted above, call Southbend or Valair and they will help you out. DONT go to NAPA or any other parts store for a clutch or hydraulic kit for these trucks unless you absolutely dont care about quality or strength of the clutch.

 

I agree with both Patdaly and Katoom.

NAPA sells lifetime parts that you get to replace every two or three years nowadays....

 

So the clutch is an Exedy. It is exactly 12.75". Still dosen't make sence to me. I was able to find the oddball pilot bearing (a much beefier roller bearing) through Lordco. I resurfaced the flywheel, replaced the TB and put the old clutch/pp on. She is running as smooth as ever now. Still not sure what caused the TB/clutch fork to fail. A little nervous the problem will repeat itself, but we'll have to wait and see.

Thanks all for your advice.