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Sorry if this a repeat, I'm competing with time.....
Brother-in-law and sister, retired military, travel coast to coast pulling a 5th wheel trailer. Truck is a 1994.5 7.3L turbo Diesel 2 wheel drive F-350. Clutch was replaced 2 years ago with OEM parts from Ford.
Pulled into my place today and it sounds like a trash can caught in the fly wheel when he shuts it off or starts it. Removed the inspection cover and you can rotate parts that shouldn't move.
Best recommendations guys, I need help on this end from owners who have upgraded with what works, looks the tranny is coming out tomorrow so I am hitting the net to see what is available.
I've heard alot of good things about valair. The past year or so, I've know several others who have had trouble out of some southbend's, and others that didnt have any problems. I will be having a valair in mine in the next few weeks
If the truck doesnt have too much done to it, an upgraded dual mass should be ok, a single mass will handle it no problem, however with a single, you will notice it transfers a little more of the engine vibration through the rest of the truck than a dual mass. Its up to you man. If it was me, and I was going to be in that truck for long periods of time, I would probably go with the upgraded dual, but thats just my .02
A buddy of mine just got a clutch from Haisley Machine. Very nice clutch. Valair makes a good clutch as well. My buddy went with the Haisley after his South Bend clutch took a crap.
I have used the single mass conversion from NAPA on 2 IDIs and my son has used them on 2 strokes with no problems. They say perfection on them, the down side thy are made in China.
I highly recommend Valair. And when you say upgraded dual mass, or dual disk? I know Dan at Valair has both. I say go to the single mass flywheel. If the truck doesn't have alot of mods, get one of the clutches that is just a step above stock. They will do everything you ask of them. Call Valair and talk to Dan or Kevin specificly. Tell them Cody from Death Row Diesel sent you, and they will hook you up even more on the price. And they will answer any questions you have. Their customer service is second to none.
I tow a 5th wheel quite a bit also. Although not coast to coast but I do usually tow it a few times every month. I have a Valair full ferramic clutch and have no issues with it. If I were doing more backing or slipping of the clutch I would not get full ferramic as it tends to bounce when trying to slip. The type of driving I do is not an issue with my full ferramic. If you don't want that I would go ferramic/organic or full organic.
Waiting on the big brown truck to show up, Valair, Premium Brass Woven Organic Facings is coming. I would like to see the Southbend dual sprung disk but this isn't my truck.
Good choice. I am curious about the brass woven clutch.
Valair makes a good product.
Did you go with the SMF as well?
If you did you can put 5 quarts of synthetic tranny fluid in the tranny instead of the 3.4 it calls for to quieten it down some. That is what I have in mine and it is not that bad. It does get a little loud when it is lugged and sometimes you can hear it when idling but not all the time.
No prob and good luck.
Feel free to contact me I have replaced the clutch on mine twice. The second time was the Valair and it will hopefully be the last.
Take a look at the link in my sig for the H2e install. It has alot of pics you can use regarding the clutch swap.
P.S. get a set of uppipe gaskets and replace them also. $22 and almost easy as pie. Don't do it and you will be cussing swearing and sweating and still spent the $22.