South Bend Clutch for G56 - REVIEW
#1
11-10-2010, 02:52 PM
South Bend Clutch for G56 - REVIEW
When my 2007 Ram 2500 got to about 35,000 miles the clutch started slipping. It was most noticeable when entering the freeway or climbing a hill while trying to accelerate in 5th or 6th gear. At first I thought maybe the clutch needed adjustment or something; didn't want to think I had worn out a clutch in 35,000 miles! After reading some forum threads about the weak factory clutch on the G56 transmission I determined the clutch really was fried.
I decided to take action and get a beefier aftermarket clutch kit. I spoke to the tech department at South Bend Clutch. Since mine is basically stock and I don't usually tow anything, the guy told me to get model number G56-OK, which is good for up to 800 ft-lb of torque. This kit comes with a clutch disc, pressure plate, flywheel, throw-out bearing, and pilot bearing. It also gives you new slave and master cylinders, which are a must with the new setup.
I ordered the kit from a retailer in Pennsylvania for about $1,100. It arrived the next day in three boxes. One box contains the flywheel only and weighs 70 lbs! I had a local shop do the replacement, for which they charged me 6.5 hours of labor.
With the new parts installed, it feels a lot different when I step on the clutch pedal. The pedal throw is shorter, which gives it a slightly sporty feel. Apparently the factory dual mass flywheel absorbs a lot of vibration, because now I can feel more vibration through the pedal. There are also some rattling noises at low RPM when there is a light load, like when backing out of a driveway. There is more gear noise when the trans is in neutral and the clutch is engaged.
Overall I like the new setup, and recommend it for G56 owners for when you wear out your factory setup.
I decided to take action and get a beefier aftermarket clutch kit. I spoke to the tech department at South Bend Clutch. Since mine is basically stock and I don't usually tow anything, the guy told me to get model number G56-OK, which is good for up to 800 ft-lb of torque. This kit comes with a clutch disc, pressure plate, flywheel, throw-out bearing, and pilot bearing. It also gives you new slave and master cylinders, which are a must with the new setup.
I ordered the kit from a retailer in Pennsylvania for about $1,100. It arrived the next day in three boxes. One box contains the flywheel only and weighs 70 lbs! I had a local shop do the replacement, for which they charged me 6.5 hours of labor.
With the new parts installed, it feels a lot different when I step on the clutch pedal. The pedal throw is shorter, which gives it a slightly sporty feel. Apparently the factory dual mass flywheel absorbs a lot of vibration, because now I can feel more vibration through the pedal. There are also some rattling noises at low RPM when there is a light load, like when backing out of a driveway. There is more gear noise when the trans is in neutral and the clutch is engaged.
Overall I like the new setup, and recommend it for G56 owners for when you wear out your factory setup.
#2
11-10-2010, 08:04 PM
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That clutch of yours sure did not last long. I have a 96 12v Ram 5 speed with my original clutch. I am a few miles short of 272,000 miles. The clutch still feels good and strong. I just did a clutch test to check it out and it feels strong. Not sure how many miles I have left.
I am thinking of going South Bend too. I should give them a call and get some info. I am planning on replacing it myself.
I am thinking of going South Bend too. I should give them a call and get some info. I am planning on replacing it myself.
#3
11-10-2010, 08:14 PM
Record Breaker