Performance and Accessories 2nd gen only Talk about Dodge/Cummins aftermarket products for second generation trucks here. Can include high-performance mods, or general accessories.

Which clutch for heavy towing?

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Old 04-11-2005, 12:55 PM
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Which clutch for heavy towing?

We need a clutch that won’t burn up towing a 6-ton trailer. We only tow a couple of times a year, but sometimes it’s for 4-6 weeks at a time; then we back the trailer uphill, around a corner into its parking space. The ol’ man drives it like a truck, load or no load, but the rest of the time I drive it like a sports car—in town, in traffic, no load.

We’d pretty much decided on a Centerforce a while back, but now that we’re ready to do it, I don’t see anything good about them! From what I’ve read here, it’s a toss up between the South Bend and the LUK Cerametallic.

We had a TST PM3, but it never did work right; some kind of chip/box mod is next after the clutch, but I haven't done my homework on that yet.

What do you guys recommend for the clutch? and the chip/box?

thanks
Old 04-11-2005, 12:58 PM
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for towing I would say southbend...the LUK c/m has a very harsh engagement and from what i hear makes backing a trailer slowly very difficult because you can't slip it
Old 04-11-2005, 01:22 PM
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What year and model of truck? What engine and transmission?

The stock clutch on my truck was a perfect towing clutch for our 16K GVWR 5th wheel - until I overpowered it with the EZ and DD2 injectors. It was replaced with a South Bend Con OFE - more "chattery" on engagement than stock, but that's the price to pay to hold the additional horsepower and torque.

Rusty
Old 04-11-2005, 01:38 PM
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If you have four wheel drive, you may want to look into a 2wd low kit also. Makes parking the trailer a little easier.
Old 04-11-2005, 02:36 PM
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Oops-Newbie mistake

2002 3500 Quad Cab, 2wd (!), 6 spd, 24valve 5.9L HO, 3.5 rear; towing 37ft 5th wheel toy box (w/2 HDs) on Reese 15K hitch

(The TST PM3 worked well enough to burn up the OEM clutch after towing less than 10K miles before we gave it up due to intermittent failure, cutout and no resolution from TST but a new copy of installation instrux. Yes, it was installed right the first time!)
Old 04-11-2005, 02:55 PM
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Southbend Con OFE and an Edge Comp. should do the job fine.
Old 04-11-2005, 03:16 PM
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I have the 13" clutch in my dads 5spd and it works great. its not the 13" FE its the next size down can't remember what I even bought. Its very easy to tow with and holds my dads 85HP fueling box like it aint nothing.
I would go SBC fe with the TST box you have.
DM01
Old 04-12-2005, 12:50 AM
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Aaron that's a 13" Con O in your dad's truck, I remember you telling me a few times.

I would DEFINATELY recommend a SBC 13" Clutch. Call South Bend and talk with Peter and he will tell you exactly what you need and sell you just that and nothing more. GREAT GUY! That Peter with customer service next to none!
Old 04-12-2005, 01:46 AM
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Originally posted by Got Smoke?
Aaron that's a 13" Con O in your dad's truck, I remember you telling me a few times.

I would DEFINATELY recommend a SBC 13" Clutch. Call South Bend and talk with Peter and he will tell you exactly what you need and sell you just that and nothing more. GREAT GUY! That Peter with customer service next to none!
What he said. Call Peter and he will set you up, you will not be sorry. The SBE is a perfect towing clutch.
Old 04-12-2005, 01:59 PM
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Thanks for the quick replies. Sounds like SB's the way to go. We'll call Peter.
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