The center of the Clutch plate grenaded on my 6.5TD. I'm wanting to upgrade my clutch to a better unit, but how do I tell if I have a DMF or a SMF? I've got the clutch and all out. Flywheel looks good, still has the machining grooves from the last clutch replacement. So no need for a resurfacing. What is the difference between the two types? Or was DMF not available for 6.5's?

1998 2500 6.5TD 5 spd

Anybody tried the Hays Super-Brute Clutch Kit?

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1∂=HAY%2D90%2D109&N=4294865886+115&autoview=sku (http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=HAY%2D90%2D109&N=4294865886+115&autoview=sku)

You have a SMF. GM originally were SMF with the 6.2. They tried to use a DMF in the early 90's and switched back to SMF 96-97 depending on build date and assembly plant I guess. At least different parts houses vary which years list SMF/DMF.

LUK makes the OE clutch and my truck went thru 2 of them in 120K miles. The center tears up but disc material is fine. I bought the truck used and did the 2nd one last summer. I went back with Luk for the cost - its inexpensive and at the time I did not see a better alternative. That Hays looks a little better than the Luk just from the pic. But double check it is not for a DMF. Last year I want to say they only offered the DMF clutch and they are not suppose to be interchangeable. The SMF clutch disc has more springs to absorb engine combustion power pulse (diesel are more harsh than gasser). Its like 2x the springs of a DMF's clutch disc. There are a couple of threads down in the drivetrain forum debating the SMF vs DMF. Both in the ZF section and the older trucks too. I would recommend going back with as OE SMF. Supposedly Luk has improved their disc over time but my 2005 purchased disc looked pretty similar to the 2nd replacement disc.

Are you using the roller bearing pilot or the brass/bronze solid bearing? Did it break? My roller bearing failed not sure which went first clutch disc or bearing. I recieved different advice and went with the solid bronze bearing as a replacement. So far so good ~ 16,000 miles on Luk replacement clutch no problems. But I don't expect anything until it hits ~ 60K-100K miles on clutch anyway.

I went back and tried to double check picture to tell if it had springs for SMF or DMF and forgot summit's pics are representative only. So no way to tell if it looks better. I think Zoom offers a beefier disc but its pricey. In the lower forums there is a thread with pics.

Post back with what you go with and an update please.

here is a good picture
http://www.amsautomotive.com/
click on left side "Products tab"
Then on the right click on "Flywheels"
and you can see both examples - just click on "dual" or "Solid"
If you have a dual consider stepping into a solid flywheel with the associated parts - next time it will be much less expensive to repair!
Kind Regards
Rick

Ok. I've definately have a SMF system. GOOD NEWS! I did notice that there is a bushing in the crankshaft and not a bearing, so I recken I'll go back with a bushing for safe measures. I'm going to check on the Hays clutch and see what applications it is for. NAPA offers a Zoom clutch for extreme duty. Has kevlar pads and is definately for a SMF. Only problem is, its $674. :eek:

I've broken the center hub out of every 6.5 clutch known to man. Then I found a guy at RAM that is pretty darn good at what he does. It looks to me that they have a disc 6122 that is a poly coil design & the carrier is about 3 times thicker than stock. We've run this disc before with very good results but not in my 6.5 yet. I'm currently running a SM flywheel & an 80's 12 inch organic stock style dic until my RAM gets installed. I've broken at least 5 other discs. Just a note that a SM flywheel with a single set of springs in the disc makes the tranny noisy at idle in neutral with the clutch engaged. Doesn't seem to hurt anything. 1 more note, I do abuse mine by pulling the heck out of it.

Well, I broke down and bought a clutck kit from Carquest. Valpro pads and Luk center. It looks different than the Luk that came out of the truck. Looks like they redesigned the way the springs are mounted to the disc. It was the welds that broke on the one I have now.

Reason I decided to get from Carquest is because they offered a "LIFETIME" warranty on the clutch kit. I made them prove it to me before I bought it though. Hard to believe they'd offer a warranty like that on a diesel clutch. We'll see though. Although its a pain to replace, it'll save me $300 each time.

BTW, the Hays clutch kit was for DMF only. They don't offer one for SMF 6.5TD.

After you put anything carquest on 6 or 7 times it will get old warranty or not!!

It came in a gold box if that helps! Gold means "high quality". ;)

Platinum is high quality. Gold is just platinum wannabee!!!