Clutch for Third Gens

Well... 85,000 miles and tons of time off road and in 4 LOW has me thinkin maybe its time to replace the clutch. Now, it is NOT slipping, NOT smelling (burning) and giving me no real issues but its 5 years old and I wheel just about every weekend. Out east we don't have sand and stuff like the west does, we have mud, clay, water, dirt... so the truck's been ridden hard for most of it's life (that's why I bought it). If i were looking for a non OEM clutch, maybe more of an upgrade, what would I look for? Not a whole lot of options that I am finding aside from the el cheapo ebay ones - not even sure if I would risk using them? Found an Aisin Pressure Plate with XTR Clutch that's decently priced, but how much of an "upgrade" over stock would that even be? Or just run it till the clutch goes adios and then worry about it? Side note - going to Moab in October, that's what's got me kinda nervous about the older abused clutch... don't want to fail on the trails out there because the clutch craps out.

 

Why not inspect it and see how much material is left?

In my experience clutches don't fail immediately unless they are severely abused. They give plenty of warning.

 

Lots of time in 4LO is ideal for long clutch life. Put it in 6th gear at 55 mph and floor it. If it doesn't slip yet you're good.

 

4LO is better for the clutch than anything in high range. That said, don’t waste your time and money changing the clutch for fun when it has 0 evidence of problems. Drive it until it has trouble and then swap. Maybe buy the parts and keep on hand but changing them early is just a waste.

And as stated, it seems to be lasting a good while, I would also go back with more of what’s in there…factory.

 

Wait... Your 85K 5yo stock clutch is still going strong even though you abuse it and you are looking for an upgrade? Seriously? I would be ordering whatever is in there now.

 

I've got 282k on the stock clutch. Lots of towing 5k+. No issues. I'd just get another oem setup. Seems like the URD clutch is hit or miss with people complaining about it.

 

(assuming no slippage or previous burning)

Have you pulled the inspection plate to take a look at the spring fingers and bearing?

Is your bearing chirping?

Run it until it starts slipping or stinking.

Replacing a clutch is relatively straightforward, but not a picnic either. I think my first took me two full days working alone. Second took one full day with a helper to hand tools and parks and stuff.

Aftermarket "upgrades" tend to be purpose-driven and alter the driving dynamics. Keep that in mind.

You don't hear about many clutch failures in these trucks at least. That's what the second gens were known for.

 

Thanks. Yeah, stock clutch. No issues right now at all. Been thru the rivers and forests of KY, VA, WV, PA, OH... never an issue. I am going to pull the plate next week at work to just check on it since I never have, just over-preparing for a trip across country to go play in Moab. I figured all the abuse plus 35's would have made it not last as long, but maybe I am (happily) incorrect. There just didn't seem to be a GOOD aftermarket option, so I will likely run another OEM clutch when this one goes bad. Thank you for the feedback! As far as replacement... running a dealer means I have plenty of techs to do it for me LOL!

 

While the trans is out for the clutch, have the tech inspect the rear coolant crossover tube. It's super easy to inspect and replace at that point. Late-ish 2018 and prior trucks were known to seep here, the part was updated. Also, with water crossings on the list, inspect the starter.... and maybe the rear main seal... a good tech will perform that last task as part of proper clutch job.

 

URD doesnt seem to make the 3.5L anymore according to their site. I'd just buy an OEM, perhaps wait until there's a 25% off sale at online dealers, they have them all the time.