Solid flywheel, NV4500 Dampner

[johnanc]

Have small amount of free travel of clutch pedal on recently purchased 1994 K2500 6.5L with 200K miles. Has dual-mass flywheel (no unusual noises at this time) but was thinking of changing for a solid flywheel but understand GM recommends installing "dampner" on output shaft of NV4500. Dampner is expensive, wondering if it is necessary and what is involved in installation.
Thanks, John

[More Power]

I've heard from quite a few who have upgraded to the newer single mass flywheel, and didn't install the trans damper - with no apparent ill effects. However, the engineers must have decided it needed one. I suppose a lot depends on how the truck is used and at what rpm/load. Generally lower rpms and higher low rpm loads (i.e. lugging) would create more of a need for the damper.

Jim

[ogrice]

I went from dual mass flywheel to single mass. Single mass setup is 18 lbs lighter on paper, Still real heavy when I installed it. Driven the nv4500 with output shaft dampner and without dampner. Runs a little smoother with the dampner. The dampner looks like an additional piece. I think that its held on with a retaining ring. Can't see of a way to install the dampner without removing the output shaft from the trans. Seems like a big job. You are going the right direction by changing the whole clutch if you are set on installing the output shaft dampner.

[Hubert]

IIRC I've read on here or other places the dampner is really only to reduce groaning of the transmission during lugging. I don't think it adds any strength. Groaning tranny sounds bad on test drive and I am guessing the harmonics and freqency of groans may also shorten life of shafts and/or bearings but I think its rather long term wear 100,000 miles plus to make a noticable difference. I don't know for sure. When I was calling around doing research on my clutch before tear down I recieved mixed advice some said you needed it some said you did not.