well, there's a big asterisk next to the clutch replacement on mine. as you can see i did a number of mods that increased performance. so, i wound up replacing the clutch at about 14,000 miles or so. the stock clutch would have lasted much longer without the power additions. really it wasn't shot by any means yet, but with the extra power, it was slipping all the time. if i ran it stock it would still hold fine. i went with valair's new 12.25 dual disc and upgraded hydraulics. holds everthing i can give it now. i really don't run it that hard, but when i get on it,i like it to be able to hold the power.

 

obviously, how well the driver handles the clutch and tranny is going to make a huge difference in how long it lasts. my last two trucks never needed a clutch (fords) one was stock and was slightly modded, and had over 120,000 on it before i got rid of it. Mr.Ed on here has a thread recently started, that states his clutch is slipping at 30K, on bone stock truck. if you work it hard, the clutch is a known weakness. but for somewhere between $1000-$2200 you can get a fantastic aftermarket clutch that will go a long time. those prices just depend on what clutch you choose, and if you do the install or have a shop do it.

 

I've got ~38000 miles on my '08 G56 and the clutch will slip in 6th gear during hard acceleration with anything over 12000 lbs. behind it. The truck is bone stock, power wise. My father's '05 G56 got 135000 miles on his OEM clutch before the dual mass flywheel separated and his truck is hooked to his 32' G/N hauling between 6000-20000lbs. 90% of the time.

Personally I think 325hp/610trq is about the max the clutch behind the G56 can handle. With the added 25hp of the 6.7L, we are starting to see earlier failures of the already known weak link in the system. I don't expect to get 100K from my OEM clutch, maybe nowhere close. I HOPE it lasts that long, but don't expect it to.

 

yeah, that's why they detune the motor on the manual tranny. it's at the max for the clutch for sure.

 

I like my new 4500 a lot, but every time I take it out there is that little thought in my head about some big problem happening.

I still trust my old rusty rattling '97 more than the new truck. I've never worried about it not "getting back home" with the old girl. I guess the new one has to earn my trust.

 

I'm not saying not to upgrade. I do like my new truck a lot. The 4500 with the dump body (with folding sides .... an ABSOLUTE MUST), does everything I could ever want. But I won't give up old (rusty) reliable ... just in case.

I read too many horror stories about the new 6.7 and I just want to be prepared if I have to be without the new truck for some time.

I still like to drive the old rattle trap ... it just feels good sometimes.

Go for it if you NEED to upgrade. I needed to get another truck because I don't know how much time is left for the old girl (tears in my eyes now that I think of it). I ran into a great deal for the truck and for the dump body and could not resist (I had saved up plenty of cash in the previous years for it).

 

I agree, that's why I was checking out the consensus on here. Everyone that I have talked to outside of this forum that uses these to tow with are more than satisfied with them so far. I guess that's why I am suspecting that the majority of folks having trouble with them just might not be working them hard enough?? I see a lot of them are 2500's with lots of mods. Without a loaded down motor lower engine temps, lots more ERG flow, and regen cycles to clean the DPF?? I think that they should produce something that doesn't matter how you drive it and that is a real concern for me.

One thing that interested me about the 6.7 is the fact that it has the engine brake (very nice feature, first thing I installed on my 5.9) and the horsepower and torque specs listed are as good stock as my 5.9 with the Edge EZ that I am currently using. It's nice not having to grab 5th gear and needing 3/4 of a mile to pass someone on the two lane highways.

With the economy and all, this seems to be the right time to trade up (lots of incentives, rebates, ect.). With the plants closing and the number of vehicles being produced declining, one can only suspect the prices will go up in '09!

I did decide to go for it, (needed to by the 31st) I should take delivery tommorrow. I will let you all know what I think. I hope I will not be dissapointed. I usually do much more research than I did buying this truck. I wasn't planning on trading this soon until my tax man encouraged me to do it before the end of the year. I will pay more attention to the changes from now on even if I am satisfied with what I am driving.

Like I said before, I should have gone with the 3500 dually back in '02 but, live and learn! I am sure I will like the new quad cab with 4 doors though.

Thanks for all the input.

DF

 

not a huge deal.....but I'd have them check at least the ECM and CCN to see what revision they are at....and update as needed. If you're buying new, might as well have all the NEW software releases for the truck.

 

one step ahead of you, thanks. I got the TSB #s from alldata and informed them yesterday before I pick it up to make sure it's up to date.

 

Good luck Diesel Fitter. You treat the new truck right and I'm sure you will not have any (or any major) problems.

I guess the folks who do have problems are the loudest and there are many times more people who we never hear from, that have no problems.

Also, enjoy the cheap diesel now ... it won't be that way for long.

 

I'd have to agree. We just attended the Auto Show here yesterday,and the Ford's rule in every catagory except for the engine. The new crop of Dodge's,however,will come closer. The '09 1500 I sat in is a quantum leap over my 2500 '07. Better fit and finish and extremely comfortable seats. If I didn't have my camper,an '09 Dodge 1500 4wd Hemi would be in the driveway.

 

Have any of you had your trucks on a dyno since you added power?

 

no, but i'd like to see what she is really putting down. i have a powerpup e3 that i stack on the edge (hot) every once in a while when i feel like playing. with the few mods i've done, it has plenty of get up and go!!

 

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...highlight=dyno