not really happy with my Lipe clutch

last summer I bumped the HP up on my C15 to around 600-625 and the clutch that was in the truck only lasted 60k. It didn't really surprise me because the clutch was a Reman 2050 that had 200k on it and the clutch never really felt right from the start. Anyway the shop that I have do my work now suggested a 2400lb Lipe clutch since that was the only thing they could keep in their trucks that had been modified.

I gave it a try and have been severely disappointed with the results. In the 35k I've put on the clutch I've had to have it adjusted three times because I gained free travel. First two times I watched the mechanic adjust it and beat on the jam nut so it was good and tight and I still gained travel. Today I decided to adjust it myself and set the clearance to 1/2" between the throwout bearing and trans and rechecked to make sure I had 1.5" free travel on the pedal. We'll see how long this adjustment lasts before I gain travel(usually end up with 2" before I readjust). Add to that the clutch is so jumpy that I look like a rookie every time I take off, if I use low to start it jumps bad, if I use a higher gear I end up slipping the clutch so much I know it's not good for it and the truck still jumps a bit. For the type of hauling I do I have to back up to loading chutes that are not fixed so I have to ride the clutch a bit to keep from hitting them too hard and the truck looks like a pogo stick the last few feet to the chute.

I mentioned my thoughts to the shop and the lead mechanic said the drivers of their trucks that have the same clutches are also complaining. I have to have my trans dropped because the bell housing gasket is leaking and I'm seriously considering having them pull the clutch out and replace it with a 2050 Eaton easy pedal. I see know reason why a good 2050 Eaton non reman clutch shouldn't be able to handle over 600hp. My old clutch was a reman 2050 and a few of the springs broke, when I found out my old shop had put the reman in I was told by quite a few guys that reman clutches are junk and not to expect it to last 100k, it ended up last 200k. Not sure if the extra HP is what killed it or if it was on it's way out anyway.

 

I've never really checked the motor mounts over but everything else seems to be tight.