Kevlar Bushing, Needle Bearing Good or Bad??

[BigRedWeather]

In the past 3 months I have put 2 complete clutch kits with the Kevlar pilot bushing and SM flywheels (replaced the original DM) from South Bend. The first job gave me huge vibrations, the second one leaves me with only bad vibrations mostly at 2400 - 2800 RPM. I just dropped my truck off at the Diesel Shop (a Sound Bend distributor) and the owner said THAT'S your problem- the Kevlar pilot bushing.

I would appreciate hearing from guys who have experienced problems or good results with the Kevlar, or brass pilot bushing or the needle bearing in these trucks. The web has a lot of good and bad to say on the part in lots of applications, but the results might be different in trucks like ours.


Thanks,


BigRedWeather

 

[geonc]

BRW, When my first SB clutch went Tango Uniform --springs in windows destroyed themselves--- the Kevlar bushing was stuck to the input shaft...even after I used some sleeve locker.
I do attribute that as a result of the disc failure tho...

To this day I do have some minor vibe up around 2200 and when I do replace the clutch...I'm going back to needle rollers for the pilot.....I'm just not sold on the kevlar

It will be interesting to see how your SB behaves when you go back to a needle roller ...

 

[BigRedWeather]

Good to hear from you again GEONC and to hear your experience with the Kevlar bushing. I will most likely go back with a needle bearing and will let you know the results.


BigRedWeather