I have a 2006 Ram 3500 dually, Cummins, with manual transmission. The clutch has slipped when I start off in 3rd gear for quite awhile, but slipped this morning under regular 2nd gear start. This was right after startup. Not sure if it was because engine was cold and computer wasn't awake, or what.

I have to travel from FL to TX for Reserve duty next Saturday. Then to CO to pick up some stuff (furniture) to bring to FL with a U-haul trailer. Needless to say, I do not wish to travel to CO and break down in the mountains with a trailer full of stuff.

Is this definitively a clutch issue? Computer issue? Truck has 61000 miles on it, some pulling a 14,000 pound horse trailer. Most driving around unloaded. Truck stays parked most of the time...

If this is sounding like a clutch problem, what are my options. I MUST be on the road next Saturday for Texas.


Thanks,

Mike

 

Any power adders on the truck? If so either turn them down or take them out. Why do you start in 3rd gear....that can't be good for a clutch. The stock clutch SHOULD hold fine on a stock engine....mine pulled a ton of weight on a daily basis and never had an issue until I added a programmer.

If the clutch is definitely slipping then you have no choice but to replace it. Once they glaze over they're pretty much done. There are several choices to choose from but which ever route you take you need to replace your dual mass flywheel with a single mass.....they are notorius for coming apart.

 

your truck has a dual mass flywheel that is a disaster. you already have more miles on it than most before failure. southbend makes the best kits, they come with a single mass flywheel with a real pilot bearing, new hydraulics, pressure plate and a very good disc. the single disc is a conofe and the dual is a 3250 they have many other options but these two fit your needs

 

Sounds more like the flywheel to Mine failed at about that mileage just replaced mine again because the first mechanic couldn't read. Call Peter at southbend tell him how you your truck and he will point you on the right direction. It takes about 9hr to change it all out with basic hand tools and a 2ton trans jack. They have good instructions on the web site you can print off

 

x2 on the south bend. I did the 3250dd. Once I had done deletes and all, the stock clutch would slip just when I tried to pass people on the hwy unloaded.

 

x3, same as carl 48 and Kerry king I have to agree, stock clutches are only good if not pulling any weight especially if you have any programmer or power mods...

 

Thanks guys. I'm going to have to chance it on the current clutch... but do really appreciate your help. I'll keep the Southbend in mind for when I return...gonna just nurse her along till then. No issues lately and have romped on her a bit...so hope we can just take her easy for a couple more weeks and a few thousand more miles.

Truck is bone stock and will remain that way. Seems a bit lethargic the past couple years... has me wondering if injectors are having issues, or if lift pump is just being disagreeable, or if I've simply gotten too used to riding a high performance motorcycle for daily transportation. :-)

Mike