Valair vs South Bend Clutch

I wanted to take the time to discuss the basics on the popular clutch options out there- I spend a ton of time discussing options with customers and figured some diesel owners out there might have the same questions and concerns.

ig- @longrangegear
[phone]

[valair]

Thanks for the video, those allen bolts are locator bolts, they assure the floater plate is in the proper position when disengaged. If the floater lifts too high or to low it has drag. We actually cause an over lift condition and then bring it back to correct position with the allen bolts. Thanks for the business we appreciate it.
Dan

[sarinhighwind]

Valair FTW.
Been supporting them for 10+ years now.

[sawdustadikt]

I put one of the first runs of Valair double disk clutch set ups on my 02-2500 with a 5600 maybe 12 years ago. There was no silent model. It’s still going with 230k miles on it. I tow almost every day, my truck is mildly modded at about 425hp. It gets chattery when it’s humid out, but I have manual front hubs so I just put it in 4 low. I’m a home Reno contractor so I drive local. My truck is spent, looking for a new to me truck, has to be a manual, after seeing this, I’ll stay with valair. Thank you for putting this together.

[fromac]

I had a southbend street dual for about 90k miles. Hard to get into first and reverse and very slow shifts. I thought it was normal. I was bias to southbend because that’s all I ran but was afraid to try anything else. I just switched to the valiar quiet dual paired with a fresh rebuilt nv5600 from Andrew and I didn’t know it was possible for a dual disc 6 speed to feel this good. Feels like a brand new stock truck, even the pedal feels stock. The transmission will shift faster than I can keep up with. If you want the best shifting manual trans go with a valair with a LRG built transmission behind it

[rosscopeeko]

I think you just convinced me to go with the valair dual quite organic. In was set to buy the valair hd single organic for my g56, but maybe having extra capacity will be nice. My friend who owns logging trucks said his semi tractor units have dual discs and he figures you get more life because of the 2 clutch discs. He bought the valair quiet dual organic for his g56 truck.

[rodleypumpkins]

I installed the super street from south bend. Couldn’t be happier. Harder clutch pedal but oh well. I couldn’t find a dual disc Villaire that would hold the power I need which is north of 750 hp. South bend has that option.

[TheRealJesseStoltzfus]

Thanks for reinforcing my choice to go with Valair. I was seriously considering a southbend when it came time to replace the clutch. After much research and seeing many dissatisfied southbend clutch customers, it made it a rather easy choice.

[youngproductions]

installed a south bend dual disk in my nv5600 after upgrading the hydraulics. I probably went overkill making sure I broke the clutch in properly but during the break in period I 100 percent thought I was going to hate the clutch. but after breaking it in and putting a few hearty miles on the clutch everything seemed to start working perfectly and I love it plus not near as loud as everyone makes them all out to be. if I need to replace the clutch again ill give a valair a chance.

[dougmorford]

Great video. Just wanted to say that more facing surface area does not mean it will hold more. Yeah, there's more surface to grab, but the psi is lower because of the higher surface area but same total force. It probably means it will last longer though just because there's more material to wear away, and is less likely to experience negative effects from heat because there's more surface area to absorb it.

[SWALLDOG]

That’s super interesting. Thats for sharing. I’ve been running a South Bend 3250 since 2008 in my 01 Cummins 6 speed. And it’s always had problems going in to first and reverse. Maybe it’s time to try something new.

[jamesmcintire]

I have a late 2nd gen Cummins with the NV4500. I plan on either having my transmission professionally rebuilt or buying a good reman unit. The Valair clutch sounds like what I’m looking for: smooth, quiet, and durable.

[gavinlepore]

What about just regular single disc for stuff that’s making like 400hp? Does it just not matter as long as you go with south bend or Valair

[Strickingstories]

I switching to valair so I’m kinda anxious to see what happens? I’ve always use South Bend clutches and I’ve always had 3500 Cummins so best of luck to me

[JohnJernigan]

Well that’s just GREAT! Now I age to send thiS BRAND NEW South bend 3250 back and order a Valair!! 😂😂😂 glad I watched this video before I installed!

[JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

I got the non quiet dual disk Valair clutch. It does make some noise. I do have pretty slow shifts with it though, also hard to get into first and reverse. Makes me wonder if it’s dragging a bit.

[wanderingquestions]

My original RAM clutch last 72, 000 miles towing. Now I have the Valaire dual disc ceramic - organic quiet clutch. It is quiet. Not as quiet as the stock clutch but I am very happy with that as I’ve heard other clutches that are not. My complaint is my truck shifts terrible now. 1st, 2nd, reverse.. terrible. This started with the mistake on the mechanic installing. Valaire was great in their service, but according to their instructions the clutch should start to bike at 2-3” off the floor. At that adjustment shifting is terrible. However I do have a workaround so I’m no longer stuck at a green light. I shift into 4th, then 2nd and 1st and everything works find with that small workaround. The clutch is solid. Like the other commenter having the SB my shifts are also slow. I have no regrets about getting the Valaire but I have no personal experience with SouthBend.

[Cocokingable]

My last clutch was a SB 3250 in my 05 HO with a 5600, after watching this im gonna try the Valair DD org quiet in my 07 G56 Dually instead. Whatever is in it now is awful, extremely heavy pedal and instant on/off, There is no smoothness even when making rolling shifts. Makes driving the truck more of a chore than an enjoyment honestly.

[lodwill]

Thanks. Wish they had a 2 piece throw out bearing lol. Change without pulling trans. Lol might have to replace 2 more times. . . And can you Re torque 5th gear nut lock without pulling trans if that’s your only problem. But taking off transfer case pulling trans not 2 much more. But I’ve done surgery blindfolded . Lol

[ScottDLR]

I've had three SBC's over the years (Con/ofe). That's not because they wore out, that's because they failed one way or another. The last one came apart internally and jammed itself engaged earlier this year. SBC wouldn't even give me 10% off towards another clutch.
I have no knowledge of Valair but that's who I'll get next time.

[RichClark-fkqw]

Does it come with ballbearing pilot bearing in flywheel?