OK, I am tired of doing research so, I am looking to you guys for input. I have a 2005 Dodge 2500 with Smarty and Cold Air Intake. It is a 6 speed manual and in need of a new clutch immediately. I was looking at a South Bend Dual Disk but, I am now comparing it with other companies such as Valair. This truck is my normal drive around truck that is used to pull a 30ft Fifth Wheel Camper and some farm work as well. What is my best bet? Most people have said to go with South Bend but, I wanted more input before dropping 1500 on a clutch.
South Bend Clutch?
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1,240 Posts
the new dual disks have "cushions" on the center plate so no more rattle. If your looking for a street dual disk and just pulling a trailer i would go with the 3250. give peter a call and he will help you out, very nice guy. if you plan on doing more in the future to the truck check out the 3600.
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357 Posts
Yes the duals make alot of noise but it depends on where you wanna be with the truck. I put a street/tow South Bend DD 3250 in my 2500 and love it. It still is easy enough to pull my 28' 5th wheel and will hold 650-700hp. And my truck is a daily driver, granite its noise when i have the clutch depressed, its better then my first mistake of buying a single disc and it not being able to hold the power. I dont know anything about vlair clutchs but my opinon call south bend direct. They are great guys to deal with. Oh and you might want to look at getting the upgraded hydrolics, it helps with lighten up the pedal pressure
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19 Posts
My buddy has a 2 year old SBDD3600, it has a extremely hard pedal and rattles loud. I put the "new" SBDD3600 in my truck about 2 months ago and it is about the same pedal feel as stock to me...and does not rattle near as loud as my buddies, i am extremely pleased however it does get grabby but thats life with a DD, doesnt bother me at all, im used to it now, South Bends the only way id go.
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136 Posts
:Just to put my recommendation in for the Valair DD Organic.Solid clutch,smooth engagement,will hold the power, unless you are racing or sled pulling.
A dual disc is a little louder if your not actually driving,but this is the clutch the truck should have had when new.Very happy with mine.
If you drive normally and expect your clutch to last a long time,this is the .
I know South Bend makes a quality product as well,it comes down to price,and composition actually,I did'nt like that kevlar/ceramic engagement.
If you sport around ,drive aggresively, maybe have big tires on your truck,then I feel any clutch has a hard life.
arty018:
A dual disc is a little louder if your not actually driving,but this is the clutch the truck should have had when new.Very happy with mine.
If you drive normally and expect your clutch to last a long time,this is the .
I know South Bend makes a quality product as well,it comes down to price,and composition actually,I did'nt like that kevlar/ceramic engagement.
If you sport around ,drive aggresively, maybe have big tires on your truck,then I feel any clutch has a hard life.
arty018:
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148 Posts
My SB dual disk is fairly quiet.
Shifting time increased.... and its harder to get into gear from neutral (say at a light) due to the extra rotational mass.
Slipping the clutch.... like when backing up to a trailer is a pain because the clutch hates being slipped..... the second disk grabs and lets go then grabs again making the truck lurchy.
On the other hand: I doubt ill ever wear it out and it'll never slip when towing.
Get the upgraded "hydros" aka master, slave and lines.
Shifting time increased.... and its harder to get into gear from neutral (say at a light) due to the extra rotational mass.
Slipping the clutch.... like when backing up to a trailer is a pain because the clutch hates being slipped..... the second disk grabs and lets go then grabs again making the truck lurchy.
On the other hand: I doubt ill ever wear it out and it'll never slip when towing.
Get the upgraded "hydros" aka master, slave and lines.
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1,344 Posts
SB DD ceramic 3250. All around best universal performance and HD towing clutch you can get. Comes with a sealed bearing for the pilot bearing, get the upgraded hydros as well. I did a ton of research, and it's a fantastic clutch. I have had mine for about 10k miles and am loving it more every day. It makes a very subtle clatter at idle, but it is hardly noticeable. Contact Worstenemy453 on here. He will get you setup for less then $1500 WITH the hydros. I shopped around and he gave me a better price by far, then anyone else. Tell him I sent you.
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15 Posts
I've love my Valair Dual Disk Organic clutch in my 08 and Valair customer service is top notch i bought a single disk ceramic from them for my 06 and it slipped from the moment i put it in i called them up they sent me a dual disk for 1/3 of the cost I'll always buy Valair
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1,440 Posts
I couldn't agree more that Valair's customer service is TOP NOTCH! Only issue I had was I got sent the wrong hydros (my personal dealers fault for forgetting my truck is a 98 12v). Emailed them and 2-3 days later I was hooked up with the correct master rod no questions asked. I also have their competition dual disk that I am happy with. After getting it broken in, it's shifting fast and I don't have any issues getting into 1st 2nd or Reverse. Install is easier than a stock clutch too. Valair at the end of the day is more affordable and a product that is stood behind which is something to take very seriously when buying an expensive product in general. Oh and it is very affordable to have my clutch rebuilt which is also nice.
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2,844 Posts
I agree with statements above.
When I put a new clutch in mine, I went with SB, but that was in an attempt to get a quieter DD clutch. No other reason.
Its relatively quiet for a Dual Disk and shifts well. I occassionally get the hopping others talk about when backing, but not always and I can usually counter act it by slipping the clutch a little more or less.
One word of caution. Don't go into this purchase expecting your truck to drive/sound/act exactly like stock after putting in a DD clutch. It won't. I'm not saying it isn't a great upgrade, because it is. But some people like to complain that the clutch is loud/stiff/etc. afterwards because they expected it to act like a stock clutch.
Good luck with your truck, I'd recommend either SB or Valair (based on reputation). Both seem to be good companies with good customer service and a great product.
When I put a new clutch in mine, I went with SB, but that was in an attempt to get a quieter DD clutch. No other reason.
Its relatively quiet for a Dual Disk and shifts well. I occassionally get the hopping others talk about when backing, but not always and I can usually counter act it by slipping the clutch a little more or less.
One word of caution. Don't go into this purchase expecting your truck to drive/sound/act exactly like stock after putting in a DD clutch. It won't. I'm not saying it isn't a great upgrade, because it is. But some people like to complain that the clutch is loud/stiff/etc. afterwards because they expected it to act like a stock clutch.
Good luck with your truck, I'd recommend either SB or Valair (based on reputation). Both seem to be good companies with good customer service and a great product.
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