I am need of a new clutch and I am going with a southbend. I have heard that the FE chatters a bit and is not the best for towing. I don't really plan on going much over the 450 HP mark if I get there at all. I was just wondering if there was any advice on both clutches. Thanks for any comments.

 

I have the new Luk HD clutch. I could not have asked for a better clutch. To date is has been very smooth with no difference in pedal pressure. Best of all was it was alot less than what I was looking at paying with a SBC. Cost to my door was 620.00

 

I would go FE. Yes, It can sometime give you mild chatter but it's strong and you won't need to upgrade later when you want more HP. It's STILL very driveable too.

If you're happy with less than 450hp and will NEVER upgrade beyond that, then go with the OFE.

I have no experience with Luk clutches, but I have heard both good and bad about them.

I have only heard good things about the South Bend clutches.

Justin

 

I am very satisfied with my SBC dual disc street clutch and input shaft. Not saying it is for everyone, but it is very streetable.

This was also my first clutch replacement / upgrade and talked with a lot of people before making up my mind. The folks at SBC (and you other two varmints I hang around with!) have done me up nicely!

Call Peter up and have a chat. He's all about customer service!

Matt

 

If you are a serious tower/RVer, I would strongly recommend driving both the OFE and FE before making a decision. When doing extremely low-speed maneuvering that requires clutch slippage, the OFE is noticeably more aggressive than the stock clutch. I haven't driven a truck with an FE, but if (as reported) the FE is even more aggressive than the OFE, maneuvering a 5th wheel wouldn't be any fun!

I've just about learned the tricks of maneuvering a trailer with bigger injectors (romp-romp-romp when the clutch engages) and a fairly aggressive clutch, and I can assure you that it's certainly different than the process I used with the stock truck!

Rusty

 

I'm going to echo Rusty's comments here, although his OFE seems to be grabbier than most that I've been around. You should be able to slip the OFE a bit (not like stock, but plenty for 99.9% of people) for most low speed maneuvers, while the FE really won't slip (with very light clutch work, you can though). I _heavily_ recommend using 4Lo and staying off the clutch if you are in a very tight situation.

Rod

 

I guess I need to explain in a little more detail:

1. I have a 2WD 3500 dually; therefore, 4WD low range or a 2WD low range kit isn't an option for me. The 4.10's help me in low speed maneuvering - it would be more of a challenge with the 3.55's.

2. The larger injectors require more adjustment in technique than the OFE (which really isn't all that grabby - it just doesn't like to slip as much as the stock clutch.) Stock, I could just let the engine idle and slip the clutch to nudge the 5th wheel forward or back slightly. With the larger injectors, the governor circuit has too much gain - it overfuels when the load hits the engine as the clutch is engaged, then chops fuel, then overfuels, then chops fuel, etc. - thus, the "romp-romp-romp" phenomenon. The solution is to use the accelerator pedal to bring the engine above idle speed slightly so that the governor is no longer in play, then slip the clutch. If I'm on a sloping surface, this can require my right heel to be on the brake pedal, right toes to be on the accelerator pedal and left foot working the clutch pedal. As I said, a different technique than with a stock truck.

3. I guess my point was that I certainly wouldn't want a clutch that chatters or grabs when trying to maneuver the 5th wheel. The OFE isn't bad about chattering when slipping it, but if it were much more aggressive, it could be a handful.

Rusty

 

i have a 13.25 fe conversion in my truck, if i didn't have low range i would hate it backing up my 36'trailer. i would suggest the ofe, much more forgiving

 

I have the OFE and find it extremely smooth with no grab at all. I could not ask for a better clutch setup for pulling. It cannot be just a fluke because at the last engine change I had to change the cover and it still is totally smooth.

 

Towing with the OFE is not too bad, in fact I believe it is better than a stock clutch, but I was able to slip the clutch HARD sittin at ~450 hp . That slippage was only when empty and shifting VERY hard though. I have never had slippage when under a load, but I wouldnt go over about 400 with the OFE, just to be safe.
I will probably be upgrading to the dual disk and a billet input this summer to get rid of those nasty 4th and 5th gear slips. Dont get me wrong, I LOVE my SBC and I wouldnt have anything else, just make sure you pick the right clutch and stay within its limits .
Scott

 

He can correct me if I am wrong, but I think Peter specified the OFE up to 400 hp.

 

Haulin,

On the website the OFE is rated to 450/1000. I hope that's correct. I just got one put in. Picking it up today.

Ben

 

You will love the clutch, it' great....

 

One day I plan on having a set of mach 1.5s or 2s to go along with my comp. Is the OFE strong enough?

 

I have the street/puller vershion of the SBC DD and while it is driveable it is also a very grabby clutch. I have not had my truck long enough to pull anything with it so I will get back to you on that later. In your case I don't think it is the clutch for you. plus it ain't cheap
DM01