Mexstan

Time for a new clutch and need some advice from those that have done this already. Been looking at Valair, LuK and the pricey South Bend, kits. Any other reliable brands to consider? Only considering kits that include the flywheel as I don't trust anyone in the area to correctly reface the flywheel. Both the Valair and Luk kits look good, are a lot cheaper than the South Bend but apparently don't last as long. Most kits seem to include a steel pilot bushing, but is a ball bearing pilot bearing any better and longer lasting?
The engine is slightly modified and is estimated to be making close to 400 hp. The South Bend clutch that seems the best fit is the 1947-OKHD kit. Can anyone suggest a better clutch in any brand?

Can anyone confirm that the input shaft diameter on the 6 speed transmission is 1.375" and not 1.25"?

My driving habits are a bit hard on a clutch. Drive a lot in heavy stop and go traffic which is hard on the release and pilot bearings. Also lots of highway driving. As I live in the mountains, there are lots of starts on steep inclines. Only occasionally tow, but when I do, it is fairly heavy.

My petit wife does not like to drive my truck because she has trouble pushing that heavy clutch. Does anyone know of a way to make the clutch pedal lighter?

westcoaster

I had to replace my factory clutch early (170,000km) as my wife was commuting in the truck (and learning stick at the same time)

I went with a generic aftermarket clutch. (LUK? although that doesn't seem familiar... )

I now have 305,000km and it has been flawless for me so far. Usually the camper has been loaded and flat towing a Suzuki Vitara.


Do you really need a performance clutch if you are not towing heavy or racing?
If you are still on the stock clutch, stuff a quality stock replacement aftermarket in there and forget about it..... (JMHO)

Mexstan

I am on my second clutch and have 220,000 miles on my truck. This second clutch is a LuK. Yes, could go with a stock clutch, but am considering my options and was hoping for some sound advice from the experienced guys here.

MikeR

Yes the input id the 1.375 size and not the smaller.

I finally did the clutch on my 06 a couple of months ago, I'll only use Southbend, as I previously built my high previous horsepower trucks and SBC simply worked. I bought this 06 truck used in 2016 as a cruiser with 113k on it, and the dealer had told me in the service history they replaced only the flywheel at 90k for the previous owner, so then for years I assumed it still had a dual mass setup.
So was having throwout rattling issues and the truck now had 173k on it, I pulled the trans out and discovered the dealer installed a full Luk kit with the solid flywheel. The clutch was junk and was always noisy!
The new Southbend G56OKHD is so smooth and quiet and way lighter clutch pedal than that Luk, I absolutely love it!

Mexstan

Thanks for the reply, but a bit late because I already ordered a new clutch which has just arrived. Hope to get it installed next week. I considered LuK, South Bend and Valair. Judging from the numerous reviews I read, the Valair is about the same quality as the South Bend, but a bit cheaper. Was leaning towards the more expensive South Bend, but had some questions and asked a supplier I was considering buying from. Their answers were slow in arriving and really did not really answer my questions. Had similar questions for Valair and the response was fast and very informative. Due to superior customer service from Valair and excellent reviews, bought a single disc clutch that is good for 450 HP. Time will tell if I made the right decision.

DaishaKrajcik

Have you installed it?


Mexstan

Yes