6 speed clutch died

[MudRulzz]

If your clutch looks like this, you might need a new pressure plate and throwout bearing.

Clutch pressure plate.JPGClutch throwout bearing.JPG

I know lots of you like south bend clutches but I'm just a poor college kid who no longer has a real job. I am looking at a Valair clutch. Is the throwout (release) made with plastic in their kit as well? The plastic is melted, and just doesn't belong on a bearing. (like a "lifetime lubricated bearing") I was hoping for someone to describe the difference between the dual mass and single mass flywheel. I think mine is single mass, but i don't know for sure. Thanks for your input.

[late_99_PSD]

Yes yours is a single mass flywheel. A dual mass flywheel works by putting the dampening springs in the flywheel instead of in the clutch disk. As for which clutch to by i'm not a south bend guy by any means, but they have a relitivly cheap clutch that I have in my truck, their spicer style clutch, South bend part# 1939-df, holds around 400-450, and I picked mine up for $5-600.

[Late '99 6-speed]

I just finished installing my Valair clutch yesterday. My kit came with a throwout bearing similar to the stock one, with the plastic sleeve. Whatever clutch you decide to get, do NOT get a stock style clutch disc with three damper springs! My OE disc hub busted and the damper springs flew out, which is a common problem with these. I got the double sided kevlar disc, and it isn't broken in yet, but the engagement is VERY smooth. If you go with a ceramic or iron friction material, be prepared for a much harder engagement. Valair and South Bend both offer many combinations and have decent prices.

[MudRulzz]

I ordered my Valair clutch Friday from Stealth Automotive, a sponsor on the site. He was very helpful.

I remember having heard similar stories on the 3 spring hub. I decided on the Organic facings and heavy duty spring hub for that reason. I only plan on a TW or DP tunes, so I figure that will hold enough for my plans. Its a DD with occasional 8-9 K towing.

[diesel daddy]

Best clutches I ever bought are from a company that builds them to order its called EURODRIVE and they are in Burlington Ontario Canada and they are also the cheapest
They build clutches for Ferrari and lambo

[Late '99 6-speed]

Yeah if you're towing, organic or kevlar are the best options. On a side note, when I put the ZF back in I decided to fill it with Redline D4 to try and quiet down the gear rollover noise I had in L and 1st....BIG MISTAKE! Contrary to their claims, this stuff is not stable across the temp. range that the ZF operates at. The rollover noise is all but gone when the trans is cold, but when it warms up, it's louder than ever! I had petroleum Mercon in there before, and while the noise was moderate, it was very constant across all temps. I don't know what the rest of you 6-speed guys are using, but I've gotta get that D4 outta there!

[MudRulzz]

I recently changed the tansmission fluid so im not doing it again. I just used NAPA Mercon fluid. I figured in that tranny its fine with the cheap stuff. I wouldnt use NAPA brand in an automatic though. I assume the noise your refering to is the same noise i hear at low RPMs especially in Low and First, but also in other gears, at or very near idle speed. I never have concerned myself with the noise though, because i prefer the pedal in exatly the opposite position.

[hartman1999]

anybody ever try spec clutches? i heear they make some good stuff.

[MudRulzz]

Here is an update. I got the clutch installed and it is very noisy. At idle i get a rattling noise. Accelerating at low RPM's, the noise that sounded like gears rolling has gotten quite noticeably louder. And now i get the same noise while decelerating and I never had that before. How many more have experienced this? Does this go away with break in, or will i always have it? My girlfriend, not mechanically inclined at all, was riding with me today and said "that doesn't sound good." I didn't change any fluids. Any ideas?

[Late '99 6-speed]

After reading the update from MudRulzz, it sounds like I am having the same noises, minus the one when lugging the truck in low gears. The lack of this noise could possibly be due to using the Redline D4, as I did have this noise before switching to the D4. Does anybody know of a remedy for this, or anything that would help?