Welp, it is that time. The clutch slips in pretty much any gear if the RPMs are low enough to get good torque. With 106k miles and the amount of times I've slipped it and bashed on it, I'm pretty happy that it lasted over 100k. AFter a couple of search terms, I haven't seen a lot of clutch replacements due to wear/age on here. Anyone have experience here? It seems like a lot of people just end up trading theirs in prior to needing this service. I'm looking at the FX300 because I want a bit more grip from the clutch, but with it being stock, it's not exactly necessary. Also I would love to remove the clutch delay valve, but I don't think the mechanics will really be inclined to do that for me. So I'm curious: has anyone replaced their clutch from age/wear and had a good experience? Anyone replaced their flywheel with the CM lightweight? This may belong in modified gear with me not replacing with direct OEM stuff.
Yeah, I doubt you'll find a normal mechanic shop willing to eliminate the delay valve for you, since the purpose of the valve is to protect the clutch from shock loads, they're going to be less inclined to do that when replacing the clutch... Now if there is a performance shop you could take it to, they'd be much more likely to do that, since your goal is more aggressive engagement. Ditto on the FX300 and Lighter Flywheel, those are both aimed at more aggressive driving and performance, I don't doubt that they would give you that feel, even without other performance mods, I'd say if you want to be able to hoonigan your renegade, those would be taking you down the right path to making street driving more fun!
Haha no hooning here, but I did go ahead and purchase an FX300 and the flywheel. Should be here later this week. The shop said they could replace the valve with whatever I bought, so that shouldn't be an issue, but we shall see. Probably should've purchased them weeks ago as I can torque out the clutch in every gear under 5k rpms oops
Alright, it's been about a week since I had the clutch replaced and I've put about 250+ miles on it. Firstly, I would like to say, I had great work done by the shop. They are professional and are very good about working with me and I appreciate that. Secondly, the parts: I was actually sent the performance 6-puck ceramic clutch. I checked with the shop and the tech said it was a 6-puck. Which means I received an FX400, not an FX300 series clutch. Not quite what I was planning to put in my Jeep, but I paid a bit too much for them to take it right back out again, so I will live with it for the next 100k miles (hopefully). Also the CDV replace, is a 2.5 hr job because it's a tiny engine bay and the tech had to remove some stuff to get to where he could take out the existing hydraulic line. Still did go with a lightweight flywheel, a la 16% decrease in weight over OEM. Also stock is a dual-mass, the lightweight is only single. Lastly, the report: So I was not ready for a ceramic clutch lol. Mostly because that's not what I ordered, but also because I've never driven one. Be that as it may, I thoroughly enjoy the new clutch feel in my Renegade. The lightweight flywheel is a huge difference and I really like the faster response from the engine, as I thought I would. The clutch pedal is a completely different feel. It is much lighter than the stock clutch feel and it is much more predictable. I know exactly where the clutch is going to engage every time and once it's in, it's not going anywhere. I think this is an effect from both the CDV delete allowing the fluid to move much more freely and the clutch itself being quite a bit more precise. The ceramic material bites hard and I still sometimes let it out a little quick and the whole jeep hits forward. I will also say that I am getting used to the RPMs dropping a lot more than usual because the clutch is not slipping anywhere close to as much as it was and coupled with the lightweight flywheel, the whole engine bogs a bit more on launches unless I'm actually revving it into a "launch". Which I'm trying to avoid as much as possible, especially while I'm still breaking it in. And also trying not to slip it. So TL;DR: I'm driving a 6-puck renny, with a lightweight flywheel, and new hydraulic lines to remove the OEM flow restriction. I'm basically driving a race renny now. Oops :shrug:
