RobG

Hi guys...

After 80,000 miles, my old SB Con-OFE clutch is nearing the end of its life. So this Thursday, it's getting a shiny new dual-disc setup from South Bend. Since I'm a fulltime RVer now, I'm wondering if I need to drive the truck around unloaded for a bit before loading up the camper and trailer and heading out. I've heard totally opposite opinions on this... so I thought I'd ask here too.

I hope the engagement is smoother on the new clutch. After 14 years and 80k miles of that grabby Con-OFE, I'm looking forward to something a bit smoother.

Rob

RobG

Wow, this place is dead. I'll see myself out.

oliver foster

Going from a SB Con OFE single disc to a dual disc will get you the exact opposite of what you seek.
It will not be smoother, It will also make a lot more noise when you have the clutch pedal engaged, at least from my experience.

Personally do not install dual disc clutches in any of my trucks for those very reasons.

Yes I would drive it around and do a bunch of shifting before just loading up and hitting the road fully laden and trailer in tow. Also don't do any hard, racing style shifts for a bit to break things in.

RobG

So a dual disc ceramic/organic will be grabbier than a ferrite/organic??

I've heard the noise they make; not much I can do about that.

The power level I'm going to in July requires a dual disc setup, unless you know of a clutch that will handle 650/1300 (or more) in a single-disc and still have good drivability.

oliver foster

I don't make that sort of power with my tow pigs, so I do not know first hand of any options.

I always find the dual disc clutched trucks I have driven to be very grabby and not fun to back up a trailer with.

oliver foster

Tall order...
You want to make 1300 FT Lbs of power [or more], tow fairly heavy - full time and have a smooth engaging clutch.

I usually look at that plan and figure you really only get to pick two out of the three things you want.

RobG

Yeah backing up with the Con-OFE has never been fun. When I'm on dirt, I just put it in 4-Low and then it's fine.

Well I don't have much choice so I'll go for it. Compounds are coming!

Oh and fwiw, I've had to learn to NEVER do racing-style shifts even with the Con-OFE because it usually blows out my carrier bearing.

Thanks.

oliver foster

Maybe the best option is looking at a 4x4 hub kit for the front end so you can back up in 2L.

I have that set up on my '98 QCSB 12V 5 speed 4x4 truck with a SB Con OFE clutch in it.

If I have some tight backing up to do it is easy to put it n 2L and just walk back what ever I am towing with my foot 100% off the clutch. The speed in so slow it is easy to keep everything headed where it needs to go.

That is how I got a workable combo, of power, towing a lot and pretty easy to handle still.

RobG

I think there are some electrical solutions for 2-Low, but I don't have to back up enough for long distances (on pavement) that it's ever been an issue. BUT, I'd love to have mechanical hubs up front if it'd help with fuel economy.