We are fulltimers and tow a 15K fifthweel. When pulling into a rest area on I-84 in CT I downshifted to slow for the exit, when I tried to downshift again I couldn't get it into any gear. Fortunately, I was able to coast into a long parking spot. No warning, no noise, will not enter any gear with the engine running. There are 175,000 miles on the ODO.

Dodge dealer in Staffor Springs says it needs a new clutch and probably new flywheel. OEM, $2,700, or AM NAPA $1,975. The difference in cost is the new flywheel.

OEM, NAPA, South Bend?

Since I don't have a great deal of mechanical knowledge about trucks I could use some advice.

 

Check on a Southbend Con ofe. I would also just resurface the flywheel unless it had major issues which will make you buy another.

 

Spooler,
Thanks for the reply. The SB Con OFE offered here on DTR is a kit which includes the flywheel for $900. Yesterday I read on SB clutches. I thought I remembered reading some concern about proper installation. Anyone with any advice on the competence of a Dodge dealer to do this right.

 

I'm not sure if Dodge dealer will install an aftermarket clutch. Call Peter (a great guy to deal with) at SBC and ask him who he recommends to install his clutch around your area.

 

PRA-NRA,
Thanks for the suggestsion, I will call SB. I was surprised that the dealer was the one who suggested the NAPA clutch and flywheel because of availablility and because the AM flywheel is about $600 less money. I talked to them about SB and they said they would install it if I brought it to them.

We travel fulltime but have our truck at Bolles Dodge in Stafford Springs, CT Thanks any help is appreciated.

 

I would choose SBC over NAPA. Like I mentioned call Peter and ask him who he recommends as even the dealer sometimes don't know what they are doing specially installing aftermarket clutch. Peter knows his stuff. His kits are second to none and the best customer service in the industry (trust me I know). I have a SCB Street DD kit sitting in my garage just waiting for the day when my DMF finally quits.

 

Sorry you got stranded. Hope its not causing to much inconvenience for you. When you do get it pulled, let us know what part failed.

 

Thanks, I will try to reach Peter at SBC.
jr

 

Thanks again for the suggestions. I talked to Peter at SBC and he suggested an Con O for my application. It was shipped with new flywheel and installed yesterday. Apparently, the clutch itself had come apart.

The new clutch seems to engage sooner and is a bit rough getting into the next gear. Will this smooth out with time or is there an adjustment?

 

Since it is more aggressive than OEM, sometimes owners notice it is little rough/tight getting into the next gear like you mentioned. It is just the nature of the beast with performance clutch. It should get a little better with time as everything settles with the new clutch assembly. Good luck with your new clutch. I am sure you will enjoy them for many thousand miles to come.

 

Glad you are back on the road!