Clutch Repair

[johnanc]

Bought '94 K2500 recently with 6.5 turbo and
210 K miles. Has a MT8, 5 speed manual transmission. Will be taking engine out for overhaul, thought I'd replace the clutch since it seemed to be slipping. Haven't replaced a clutch in quite a while, would be happy for any input. Think original clutch is probably still in place and that it is called a "dual mass" type clutch.
Thanks, John

[Hubert]

What is that transmission? I think its a NV4500. MT8 I think is a RPO build code.

You will have to do some research and make the choice about dual mass vs solid flywheel.

I don't think you can resurface a dual mass flywheel. They are expensive to replace.

The clutch disc is different for dual mass vs solid. The disc for dual mass has fewer springs. The pressure plates are the same I think.

That is the basics replacing them are the same.

Oh yeah depending on who you ask the solid flywheel also requires adding a dampener to the back of the transmission to reduce transmission noises. Some add it some don't.

[Andy Chesek]

I have the 1997 Helm manuals for GM full-size pickups. By this time GM had already converted to the solid flywheel. In the manual, it states that the flywheel should never be turned down, it should be replaced if necessary.

That being said, I had the flywheel turned down when the clutch was replaced in my truck at 70k miles. I missed that line in the manual before the job was done.

And I wish I had the facilities and know-how to drop a transmission in order to perform a job like a clutch replacement. I'm in the group of people who learn a lot more in a hands-on situation. It completes the mental picture the manual just can't finish.

[Hubert]

"resurfacing" I think thats another depends on who you talk to things. I have heard its ok on solid flywheels if not much material is removed. Also, heard it should be "orbital" ground like on a (dang forgot machine's name) and not just sanded down or ground on a surface grinder. Have heard the other reason its not advised is the internal slave on the later trucks has limited stroke compared to external slave. But its hard to believe a few thousands would matter that much. A solid flywheel is not too expensive to replace either.

On edit
Heard its suppose to be blanchard ground only. Just one of those things you hear.

[ 01-30-2006, 04:34 AM: Message edited by: Hubert ]

[a5150nut]

For clutch and related parts try drivetrain.com out of Las Vegas. When you start pulling things appart, be VERY careful of the clutch pressure line. The master and slave are both plastic and ANY stress on them will crack them. If not immediatly, soon afterwards. I had to drive accros San Jose in rush hour traffic without a clutch to get from work to dealer to home to be able to change the damn thing. Other than that a good floor jack worked better for me than a transmision jack.

[johnanc]

I appreciate the replies on my clutch question. I haven't been able to find a data plate on the transmission to determine exactly what type I have. So far still only know it's a MT8 and with a 5 speed gearbox.
I will contact the website of the outfit in Las Vegas. Thanks again for the help. John

[BobND]

From the website linked below:

"The transmission is identified by Dodge Truck as NVG4500, while Chevrolet and GMC designate it as the MT8 and MW3."

http://truckparts-specialists.com/catalog/transmissions/new-venture/

[Hubert]

Check out quad4x4.com too. They specialize in the NV4500 transmission. They have good pics that might help you identify it too.

IIRC The earlier GM trucks had a lower 1st gear I am guessing they were the MT8's. I have the MW3.

quad4x4.com has the differences listed I'll check out the other sites too.

[johnanc]

Originally posted by Hubert:
Check out quad4x4.com too. They specialize in the NV4500 transmission. They have good pics that might help you identify it too.

IIRC The earlier GM trucks had a lower 1st gear I am guessing they were the MT8's. I have the MW3.

quad4x4.com has the differences listed I'll check out the other sites too.

[johnanc]

Hubert, Thanks for the information. I have just checked out the quad4x4.com site and it is a good site! The drivetrain.com looks like a good outfit but "quad" seems like they're conscientious about putting everything you need in a kit.
I had only changed clutch components on a Honda I had about 20 yrs ago and there was a lot less money involved. Obviously a 3/4 ton pickup with a heavy duty transmission is going to be more expensive, for good quality parts, but I didn't realize it would be this expensive.
Thanks, John



Originally posted by Hubert:
Check out quad4x4.com too. They specialize in the NV4500 transmission. They have good pics that might help you identify it too.

IIRC The earlier GM trucks had a lower 1st gear I am guessing they were the MT8's. I have the MW3.

quad4x4.com has the differences listed I'll check out the other sites too.

[johnanc]

Bob,
It was starting to seem like that was the case, thanks for confirming that. John



Originally posted by BobND:
From the website linked below:

"The transmission is identified by Dodge Truck as NVG4500, while Chevrolet and GMC designate it as the MT8 and MW3."

http://truckparts-specialists.com/catalog/transmissions/new-venture/