Which replacement clutch? - 98 2.8 GU patrol

Submitted: Saturday, Nov 22, 2003 at 14:58
ThreadID: 8677 Views:3307 Replies:2 FollowUps:3
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Hello all,

The clutch on my truck (1998 2.8 td Patrol) is making ominous signs that it is going to expire - 75K travelled. Could I please get your opinions about a replacement? Specifically, is it better to replace it with the genuine Nissan unit, or are there better (longer lasting) units available from specialists? I understand the the life of the clutch is mostly impacted by driving style and load, but all things being equal is there a better option than the Nissan unit?

I mostly use the truck for towing a smallish tinny (around 700kg), and for metro travel with a couple of long towing trips (eg to Darwin) each year. As you can see I don't do many K's each year and expect to keep the truck until I go past my "use by" date. No real off road use - just the normal outback dirt tracks - for example the roads to King Ash Bay, Hardies Lagoon, Corroboree Billabong etc.

I think that the clutch is suffering through lack of low down torque, but I can't do much about that - perhaps I can get a tougher clutch this time?

Thanks for your help.
R.
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Reply By: tom - Sunday, Nov 23, 2003 at 15:29

Sunday, Nov 23, 2003 at 15:29
Can be done.

Give 'direct clutch' a call. They machine your flywheel (thou everyone will say it cannot be done. Those guys DO it) and they do very very good prices. Im gettin mine done within the week as my clutchs showing signs of dying.

Give them a call and im sure you'll be suprised :D

Tom
AnswerID: 38186

Follow Up By: Diesel Do - Monday, Nov 24, 2003 at 11:53

Monday, Nov 24, 2003 at 11:53
Thanks Tom,

The only "Direct Clutch" I can find is located in Albion in Qld. I'm in Adelaide and I don't think it's got that sort of distance left in it.

I'm not a mechanic, and I'm not real clear on why machining the flywheel would fix a worn clutch? Nissan told me that they might need to machine the flywheel if the clutch plate eventually disintegrates and causes damage. I've been under the impression that the only fix is a new clutch plate - can anyone straighten out my thinking?

Seems like it going to cost $1,000- $1,300 to replace the clutch so I'm looking at any alternatives.

Thanks all,
R.
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FollowupID: 27769

Follow Up By: Leroy - Monday, Nov 24, 2003 at 14:13

Monday, Nov 24, 2003 at 14:13
When replacing the clutch the usual proceedure is to machine the flywheel so there is square machined surface for the clutch plate. If this is not done you may have problems with the new clutch shuddering.
If you ring around I'm sure companies will make an after market heavy duty clutch. Also the price seems about right. Was going to help my bro in law change his clutch until we got underneath and saw the size of the box was like a 16sp road ranger!! His clutch was approx $750 and about $500 for labour.

Leroy
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FollowupID: 27781

Reply By: pathfinder - Tuesday, Nov 25, 2003 at 13:17

Tuesday, Nov 25, 2003 at 13:17
upgrade to a HD Daikin clutch - they advertise in 4WD Monthly
AnswerID: 38366

Follow Up By: Diesel Do - Wednesday, Nov 26, 2003 at 23:34

Wednesday, Nov 26, 2003 at 23:34
Thanks Pathfinder.

I'll check it out. I gave up on the 4wd mags a few years ago - they seemed to be too interested in wheel articulation, lockers, winches and approach/departure angles for my needs.

Different strokes I guess. I don't spend any time (truly) off road anymore - after more than 11 years in Alice I guess I sort of grew out of it. Now I only need a 4wd for boat launching in difficult spots, carrying heaps of junk around and negotiating the pot holes on our outback roads.

Now if they were to advertise in a fishing magazine that'd be different I might have seen it!

R.
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FollowupID: 28611

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