Help...Luk or Valair
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New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 23
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From: Ridgeville,S.C.
Help...Luk or Valair
Hey guys, Ok I now believe I probably have a bearing problem in my clutch, since the truck shakes without moving it. Sometimes on the initial startup. I see a lot of praise for the SMF. My problem is I can't discern which is the better of the two . Is this another case of personal preference. Or is there some real differences between the Luk and Valair SMF's. Each manufacturer says they have the best set-up. Can I get some real world feedback about clutch performance and any noticble noises from converting to the SMF setup. I have a 1997 F350 dually 5 spd with only two mods. A Tow safe chip 40 hp increase and a 203 stat. Advice and feedback would be greatly appreciated....CJ
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,168
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i have used a luk clutch with positive outcome too, lighter clutch pedal is the best difference no noise from tranny, good setup, i have had a bad experience with valair clutches on dodges. never a bad exp with luk.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 103
From: Ashland City, TN
I know I will go valair from now on. I have a LUK, but its a gasser 150. SO no worries, but it doesn't grip like i would like it too. I'll probably put a furamic in my truck if i ever do a clutch again too.
Spend the money on the part that matters.
As for the SMF and DMF, the DMF's come appart, its not really a personal prefernce thing, just whats better and safer. DMF was a good idea, but bad application. Hook yourself up with a good SMF from valair when you buy a clutch. Neal loves his.
He doesn't know it yet, but i'm plotting to steal his truck.
Spend the money on the part that matters.
As for the SMF and DMF, the DMF's come appart, its not really a personal prefernce thing, just whats better and safer. DMF was a good idea, but bad application. Hook yourself up with a good SMF from valair when you buy a clutch. Neal loves his.
He doesn't know it yet, but i'm plotting to steal his truck.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 103
From: Ashland City, TN
Dont' care much for dodge powertrain.
They have the cummins which is great, but no good automatic. I didn't much care for their 5 speed, but its the best option. I believe their newer 5 speed is better, but i have not drove one. Lots of vibrations though the shifter while taking off and driving on the dodge, was dissapointed in that. really true on the hand shaker for that one. hehe.
LUK does make a good product, no doubt. But its all in the application, and what you baught, was it installed right. yada yada.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,137
Likes: 41
From: Marble Falls, Texas
Stroker, I say Valair all day long. I've always used them and they are a great product. But I've also used the LUK. But they just don't hold power. If you decide on Valair, let me know, and I can help you out on the price.
89, What happened on the Dodge?
89, What happened on the Dodge?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
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From: Cabot, Arkansas
I can't bad mouth the LUK. I've put 133,000 (sometime very hard) miles on mine. Nearly double the mileage I got out of the stock clutch. That being said...it doesn't hold my current power level very well and slips pretty badly when I'm loaded heavy. Given the printed prices on the performance clutches available, Valair seems to give the most bang for the buck so that's where I'll likely get my next one.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Marble Falls, Texas
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,864
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From: STEPHENVILLE,TX!!!!!
another for valair.
dan was having some issues with performance dodge clutches in the past but it was in beta testers trucks on the performance clutches. i have had no issues with there clutches
dan was having some issues with performance dodge clutches in the past but it was in beta testers trucks on the performance clutches. i have had no issues with there clutches
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,137
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From: Marble Falls, Texas
South Bend is a good clutch. But Valair beats them hands down on quality, price, and for sure customer service. Go Valair and you won't be sorry.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,137
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From: Marble Falls, Texas
LUK clutches are great as well. Nothing wrong with them at all. I had one as well and loved it. However, for those of us making a little more hp, Valair and SB are the options that will hold on to it. Not everyone needs the baddest clutch they can buy.
