Long time lurker, first time post. Have read almost every thread about SB clutch installs. Picked up Con O per SB recommendation. Planning work on Friday using motorcycle jack. Have read all instructions and threads I can find. Any tips or tricks from the experienced guys? I have installed clutches any many types of vehicles, first Dodge for me.

 

Patience, and if at all possible, an able bodied helper. I would seriously try renting or borrowing a trans jack. Those things are very helpful with the heavy trans. I recently did a dual disk on a G56 and it was not fun, even with the jack and a lift. A little bit of emery cloth to smooth out the entry of the splines on the trans input shaft into the clutch disk helped quite a bit. Don't touch the straight part of the splines that that transmits power, just the tapered part that starts the shaft into the disk.

Make sure that the trans is in a 1:1 gear, so you can turn the input shaft of the trans to fit it into the disk. I had to reinstall the shifter half-way through putting the trans back in instead.

Good luck.

 

its the same as any other just heavier

 

Thank you for the advice. SB Con O clutch installed in 7 hours off the floor. The shifter and hydraulic assembly are easy, but very time consuming. Gearbox a little difficult to line up, leaving the gearbox in gear was good advice. Engine starts up and shuts down much smoother and quieter. 87K on original clutch, what a POS! SB clutch has slightly more pedal pressure and engages closer to the floor.
Any advice on what gear to use when starting from a standing stop. First gear with my rearend is useless. I usually use 2nd or 3rd and roll off easy, but don't want to damage new clutch or gearbox.
Thanks again for the input from forum members.

 

Bob - just use 2nd gear if empty or lightly loaded. And I use 1st to get er rollin when towing loaded flat deck or 5th wheel. That's why 1st was put in there. These things in manual format are not quick off the line - they are meant to work and they do just that.

 

Thanks DC. With the DMF I was guilty of using the torque and lugging the engine a little bit. Perhaps I shortened the life of the stock stuff. Driving new clutch unloaded requires a little throttle blip to make a smooth launch, or the clutch grabs a little bit. After the SB install it is clear why Dodge used DMF as the stock parts. The new clutch requires much more attention to be smooth. Sure do like the positive feel of engagement.