I have a '97 2500 4wd with a five speed, turned up a little. Anyways I was wondering how long the clutch is good for. I have just over 111K and get a small grind every once and a while when putting it in reverse. Also notice a small "pop" when in 4 HIGH starting out and usually turning. Maybe a u-joint but truck does have thick coat of ice on all steering and suspension parts. Just Curious

 

Clutch life depends on how you drive it and what you use it for. I've seen clutches go in a few hundred miles and last 4-500,000 miles hauling heavy loads. The grind in reverse may be a sign you need an oil change.

 

my dads clutch is close to 250k miles no problems. Mine is holding fine aat 60k or so. That poping is probably because you have the wheel turned. If you turn the wheels more then.. half way maybe? thats just a guess. The universals for the 4x4 bind a little and make a poping when they free up.

 

I'm pretty sure my clutch is shot...... I'm kinda disapointed. But I have pulled some things it maybe wasn't intended to pull.

I bought the truck used to so u never know how it was treated before you.
I'm a little disapointed to tell you the truth. I had a F150 with 5 speed and everyone told me the clutches were no good in them and would be shot in no time. I had 240K on the original clucth with no problem. I'm pretty sure I'll find a pilot bearing failure when mine comes apart.

Few simple rules.

1. Don't ride the clutch! So many people ride the heck out of their clutch especially when backing up trailers and stuff. really hard on it. I have seen people who ride the clucth on an incline to keep truck from rolling instead of halving the clutch completely released and the vehicle braked.

2. Wait with the truck in neutral instead of with the clutch depressed. If your release bearing etc. lives longer your clutch will live longer.

3. Use the appropriate gear. Don't start up hills in 2nd. Don't lug the engine and then accelerate hard in too low of a gear the torque of the Cummins puts a huge load on the clutch and will cause acclerated wear or even make it slip.

4. Be careful downshifting. I've been told that as much clutch wear happens during downshifts then any other time.

Just a few ideas. Anyone feel free to add to my little list.

I think the pilot bearing and release bearing assemblies are a major weakness with the stock clutches. The number of failed input shafts probably supports this.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

My clutch..

3000 miles old, and already slightly slipping, I have to take off in low 1st gear for it not to rattle, if not i have to rev it a little bit, and pull it out ever so gently, BUT this is my fault, i ran the truck hard the other day because some ******** wouldnt let me pass him and i needed to get into another lane.. and let the RPMS skyrocket, and then shift, which was bad on my behalf.. i pulled back my plate, turned down my wheel, and take off it low 1st, sometimes in second gear (when i forget and accustom) sometimes it kinda rattles and sometimes it dont.. im thinkn pilot bearing, but i hope i can make this clutch really last alot longer.. Any ideas guys? or suggestions to prolong my clutch life? being in college and the only vehicle i have is my ram....

TxDiesel007