Replacing clutch every 30,000 miles -- What's up?

[billfrommissouri2]

I've had this 95 6.5 since 2001 and I'm now looking, at -- what -- my fifth clutch? What gives? Should I try a dual-mass flywheel? Other ideas? My last clutch was some kind of premium deal, $1,400 job, non dual-mass. I can probably get a plain non dual-mass put in for $650 or so, and probably will...

[trbankii]

I don't have enough miles on it to really judge yet, but I went with a South Bend non-dual mass setup after many high recommendations for it. I've been pleased so far. It was about $800 and change for all the parts - clutch, flywheel, clutch fork, bearings, etc.

[NH2112]

I would start by getting the tranny and flywheel out of the way, and checking for mechanical issues with the engine - crank end play, radial and axial tolerances at the flange, etc. Then do the same thing for the tranny.

I'm pretty sure these rigs came with DMF, and if a solid flywheel is used the clutch disc has to have the dampening springs in the hub. Also, IIRC there's a counterbalance that's supposed to be installed in the tranny if a solid flywheel setup is used.

[a5150nut]

When my wife used to drive my truck, she would drive it like a 4 cylinder. She would bring the RPM's up then let the clutch out. That will toast them right quick!

[trbankii]

Take a look through this thread here (http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/showthread.php?t=31207).

6.5 Detroit Diesel and I followed along with our clutch experiences. I copied the TSB on the transmission balancer for the conversion.