A friend of mine has a 4500 with 6 speed trans. It is used for delivery of farm equipment parts. This week he has noticed Intermittent clutch slippage ...mainly in the higher gears...but not limited to. It has (so far) grabbed and got with the program, but obviously something is not right. Has anyone out there seen any similar issues? His previous truck was a Ford PS with 300,00+ miles on it when they retired it so of course he is wondering if this is going to be the start of trouble. Any ideas appreciated!
Thanks,
Andy

 

Sounds like your friend has seen the weak link in these trucks. The dual mass flywheel DMF. The only cure is to replace the factory clutch with an aftermarket unit such as Valair or Southbend clutch. Once the clutch is upgraded the truck should go every mile that his previous Ford did.

 

Do they put the same clutch in these heavy duty trucks as they put in the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks?

 

Sure do. The motor is different but the trans and transfer is the same for a standard but the auto is different.

 

It seems to me that if Dodge wanted to build a true heavy tow/haul rig they would want to upgrade the clutch and tranny. I want to get a new rig but between the detuning of the manual equipped trucks,the weak clutch,all the pollution B.S and under rating the GCVW to 26000,I'm not thrilled about a new Ram

 

Well I hate to tell you that the big three all ran DMF in their trucks when a manual trannys were offered, just like most bigger trucks. Problem is they are junk in all applicactions, especially when the owners add more power to them. You cant get away from emmisions legally on any of them, and the wieght rating doesnt matter. They are that way to keep registation down in certain states and avoid CDL issues. Get the tags wieghted to your needs and dont look back. Tht 4500/5500 are built on a medium chasis made by Sterling, how about the competition?

 

Robert, if Dodge had to keep the torque down so the clutch won't slip on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks how do they figure the same clutch is going to last when you put full loads behind a 5500? As far as the GCWR goes, up here,you can not legally exceed the rating the the manufacturer puts on the truck. After looking at a few 4500 and 5500 C&C there is no doubt they would handle much more, but unfortunately, not legally.
Greig

 

Being in Canada your weights should be based on tire and axle rating as I understand it. There is a guy on the other Cummins Forum from the Great White North that hauls a 30k trailer all the time. From my understanding Canada has the better rules.

As far as the clutch goes the DMF was always a problem. Even My VW TDI is known to have some issues with them. They are junk but the manufacturers like them so we are blessed in having the junk. They do have their good side in that they are alot quieter and put alot less shock load on the drivetrain.

 

Ya , I checked into it and you are right. The GCWR is a Dodge number. As long as you don't exceed your GAWR and GVWR you're fine. How do I edit my last post so I can take the wrong info out of it?
Greig