Hey all,
I know there has been a lot of discussion on this subject but I want to share my experience with everyone as I go.
As the title says I have a 2006 3500 quad cab, 4x4, long box, DRW, and a G56 six speed. My truck has always been a smooth driving truck with no vibrations until recently. I installed an aftermarket HD Valair clutch. “Side note” - South Bend will be my choice from now on. Anyway I put in a Ceramic/Kevlar clutch based on a conversation with Valair. During the first 500 miles of the “broken process” yes, I said broken not break-in, I tore out my factory carrier bearing. I don’t recommend this clutch unless you are running a HIGH horse power truck and furthermore I don’t recommend you buy it from Valair. I replaced my carrier bearing with a HB88508 from amazon for like $20 but I still have vibrations from 30- 70mph and not to mention the takeoff shudder. So I did some research and with the help of this site and Cummins forum I decided to purchase a 1 piece aluminum driveshaft. It came last night and I will be installing it this afternoon. The part number that I ordered was a 52123162AA. This part # has been replaced by #52123162AC. “52123162AC” is the part number on the shaft that I received. A quick phone call to Mopar confirmed that this is the new replacement part number. I will report back tomorrow when I have it installed “if it fits” and give a full report. Till then... Here’s hoping!

 

Is your truck heavily modified?

A single disk kevlar/ceramic clutch is a harsh clutch. It will chatter, shudder & be harsh in slow speed manouvers.
If your truck is fairly mild & you use your truck for towing/hauling, the street dual disk may have been a better choice.

Valair makes excellent clutches with an excellent reputation.
You are either not used to an aftermarket clutch, you have installed the wrong clutch or have something else going on.

 

You are 100% correct! My next clutch will be an organic dual disc..With that being said, I do use it to pull a good sized fifth wheel and a smaller farm tractor to the in-laws one and a while. I called Valair and told them exactly what I had and what I do with it. They recommend the kev/cer clutch that I currently have. To be honest after the first 150 miles I was about pull the tranny and use the clutch as a Frisbee. It was to the point where I felt the truck was unusable... no joking.... Valair didn't want to hear about.. Ok fine.. I called south bend and they told me I should have bought a super single organic and they were willing to send me one that would work with the HD pressure plate from valair for a fair price. I thought that was nice.
Also the previous clutch was a Valair full Kevlar button that lasted about 40,000 miles, very disappointing. I'm not an idiot, I know how to drive my truck and I certainly do not abuse my truck. I will say one good thing about the new clutch though, it holds very very well and now that it’s had a chance to settle down I am fairly happy with it. One other thing I should mention. I did some measuring while I had the clutch apart. I think valair has an issue with where they set the pressure plate in relation to the flywheel. Let’s say that a factory clutch is around .200 thick. The Kevlar button clutch I had was around .120 thick from new. So theoretically you are already .080 thinner to start with. Oh and by the way valair told me that .100 is a lot of wear on a clutch. My question was why wouldn’t they compensate for the difference from the start? Put a step on the flywheel and set everything closer together. This is why as your clutch wares your clutch engagement gets further and further out on the pedal. From new my last clutch would start to engage toward the end of the pedal travel. I don't like that. I also noticed that with the last clutch the pressure plate was so far to end of its travel that the fork was hitting the bell housing and keeping the throw-out bearing engaged to the pressure plate. I have the clutch straightened out I’m just hoping now to get the drive line smooth again.

 

Not that it really counts but i sure like my organic DD valair.

 

Since you're pulling a fiver.....a good "softer" clutch or a dual disk organic would be a much better choice. I just installed a full ceramic from Valair and it was very smooth engaging at first but is now extremely grabby.....I expected as much. I'm use to that as my old SB Con OFE was that way. Valair has very good customer service in my opinion.....sorry they left a bad taste in your mouth.....it happens every now and again.

I really want a 1-piece shaft for my truck but to buy one and have it cut down is too much money......to have Doghouse build one for me is again, too much money. I already have installed an over-the-road style carrier bearing which is WAY BEEFIER than the factory crap and so far it's holding up great. Guess I'm just stuck with my 2-piece until I come across a good deal.

 

So I got my drive shaft installed..20 min install.. first impressions.. I love it! what a difference! My truck has never been this smooth! Very little shudder on take off.. and none as I go through the gears! Awesome improvement!

 

LOL, glad everything worked out with your truck.

After your 2nd post in this thread, I wasn't sure what to think!!


You will have to be patient with your new clutch though. Use 4wd low for any low speed manouvers with a load or trailer on.
Even the street DD clutches are a little harsh at times...

 

I put the South Bend Dual Disk Dual Friction in my truck about three months ago and its been great. The only thing I've noticed is slightly higher pedal pressure, some growls, and just barely harder to get into gear. It seems to engage just as smooth as stock.

 

Honestly it's not that bad. I don't have really bad shudder when backing up trailers or anything else. As I said before I am happy with my clutch just not Valair.. I will be really happy if this clutch lasts more than 40,000 miles. Customer service has gone south. I think it’s not only true for valair but for most businesses,, It's sad to say that.. I was not asking for anything free. Just wanted them to listen to me on what I found and what I was going through with this particular. FIY I did put a slight step on my flywheel and I feel it set the clutch engagement point back toward the center of the clutch pedal travel. Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! If anyone wants any more info on the driveshaft give me a holler!