I bought a Centerforce dual friction 12" clutch kit off Summit. I think stock might be 10" but not too sure about that. I'm wondering if the 12" clutch will work with a stock flywheel. Summit doesn't make any mention of a different flywheel type being necessary. I'll probably buy a new one but I want to make sure and buy the right thing. Anybody know if I need some special flywheel with this new clutch?

 

I ran into this last year with my 1500 and the 12" was an updated part during the life of the 3rd gens. I researched as much as I could and even asked on here, too. Not much out there except that it was a factory update so it does fit all other components. But I also replaced my flywheel so when they both arrived, I was able to verify this. The biggest difference is the number of springs while the size is negligibly larger. All that matters is the bolt holes line up. Look up some clutches on rockauto for your exact truck and compare to what Summit has.

I am positive that the 12" clutch for the NV3500 fits exactly, but since you have the NV 4500, I'm not 100% sure as I believe they are larger in stock form (13"?). There was a thread on one of the 2nd gen diesel forums about the clutch sizes IIRC. Sorry I cannot be definitive for you.

 

Thanks for the idea. Damn I'm foolish. Had I checked Rock auto firs I'd almost certainly have the Sachs 12" kit now and saved around $400. Not sure what the extra cost bought me but that centerforce better last a thousand years and never complain for that money. I even had to source a couple bearings to complete the "kit". Parts that would have apparently been included in the Sachs version.

Unfortunately there is no commonality between the kits on Summit and Rock Auto and Summit but great idea. I can apply that method to other databases, Jegs, Autozone, etc, to do more digging.

 

Dang, spendy clutch! I thought about going with a fancy one but just wanted the stock brand again (Sachs) but mine actually squeaks when hot. The pedal creaks bad once warmed up. Smooth and quiet when cold. Otherwise it is working well at one year old and 17k on it.

Reason yours is so expensive is that it is for a Cummins application. Same trans and most people have the CTD in front of the NV4500. Can you not return it? The more I think about it, the NV4500 had 12" clutch originally and went to 13" while the NV3500 had 11" and went to 12". I'm gonna see if I can find that forum. . .

 

You have to be careful there. The CTD used the NV4500HD whereas mine is just the non HD. plain NV4500. The shaft size is different so you can't use the diesel clutches on the gas engine. The diesel clutches were l even worse at over $700 for the expensive one iirc.

I'm not for sure about why these Centerforce Dual friction is more expensive but I get the idea the "Dual Friction" line may have beefed up springs in the pressure plates that comes in the kits. If so then it might actually end up being pretty sweet. We shall see.

 

Huh, didn't realize (or remember) there were two 4500s back then. In my searches, there does appear to be a stock 12.25" clutch with a 13" upgrade. That's all I know for ya.

Centerforce is not a diesel club top choice anyway. Most go with Valair, South Bend, or some super duper custom job. Crazy some of these go for $1500 plus! I think 700 isn't bad at all for a good clutch. Mine was $300 with flywheel from rockauto and I did the install with a friend. I do love the extra springs as it engages much smoother in 2nd than the stocker ever did.

 

I should mention that all I think I know I've learned staring into the computer at this point. The transmission has still not been removed from my vehicle so I may have been led astray by the computer.

However...I believe my transmission has the 1.125" shaft while certain diesels and V10's have a 1.25" shaft. There is also apparently some diesels with a 1.375" shaft transmission as well.

On Summit, before you sort by engine size there are 6 different clutch disc diameters available for the various 1995 Dodge 2500's, ranging from 10.5-13" for 3 different transmission shaft sizes.. Just a little confusing