ClutchMaxClutchMaxPRO Performance Stage 4 Clutch Kit & Flywheel Compatible with 2001-2005 Dodge Ram 2500 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel NV5600 6 Speed (CP05101HDCFW-ST4)

03 Dodge Cummins

I was about to buy a name-brand clutch then I decided to just try this one in order to keep some money in pocket. It appeared to be very similar in desgin to the name-brand versions and the clutch material appeared to be of the same make-up. I was assuming that it would be a noisier clutch but I figured screw it my truck already sounds like the inside of a Cessna on take-off.Upon unboxing I noticed that this thing will lay you right open so be careful handling it. All edges are extremely sharp and a lot of areas aren't de-burred so I recommend handling with gloves.I already had a 13" flywheel installed on the truck (this is a 1996 3500 dually ext cab 2wd NV4500).I was taking out the NV4500 to rebuild it and to add a 1-3/8" input/fast coolers so I decided to replace my single organic after 50k miles while i was at it (It was completely toast). Installation was good everything line up however the pilot bearing was very very tight. I had to use force to get the pilot to seat into the bearing. Albeit I was carful, I had to pry quite a bit just to get it started. Then I had to use the bolts to suck the transmission all the way in tightening a little at a time on each bolt in an even pattern.Right off the bat as I expected, the transmission was very difficult to shift and the clutch hopped a lot. I rebuild standard transmissions for a living so I anticipated that. Also the throwout bearing was a little bit noisier at idle as I anticipated. I know that all of these problems are irrelevant until the clutch breaks in. Usually these clutches start to really break in at about 300 miles so when I was at 600-700 miles with the same issues I was intrigued. Finally by 800 miles it started to get better. I am at 1200 miles now and the transmission feels a lot better but still not perfect. I haven't measured it but my guess is that this clutch is just a little bit thicker than most so I'm not getting full/even clutch disengagement.Today I decided to replace the master/slave with a new, adjustable one. After that the transmission shifts like butter.As far as holding power I cannot speak on that because I am only at 400hp/1000tq. For what it's worth, I can't get it to slip. In a couple of weeks I will be at approx 525hp and 1300tq. I will update this review thenThe fact that the clutch took so long to wear in may speak to it's wear-life so we'll see what happens. Bottom line is that I spent $260 on this clutch instead of $800 and I have a nice shifting, operating clutch that appears to have high-power hold ing abilities.When you account for the low price this product get's a 5-star rating from me