Do you love taking the weekends to head out in your 4×4 to do some off-roading? It can be great fun, but you might not realize just how much of a toll it takes on your vehicle at first. Many people end up modifying their vehicles to help make the off-road experience more enjoyable and easier on their trucks. They may opt to get bigger tyres or an exhaust system that won’t scrap against rocks as they climb hills. However, they might not always think about their clutch. Standard clutches aren’t usually the best choice. You need heavy-duty clutches instead.
OEM Clutches Can’t Handle It
The clutch is essential for ensuring your vehicle has consistent power through the driveline and engagement with the engine and gearbox. Even with many trucks, the clutches installed by the manufacturers are geared toward daily commuting rather than towing or getting off-road. This means your vehicle will not have all of the power and torque you need.
Do You Need Heavy-Duty Clutches?
Does everyone need a heavy-duty clutch. Not if you aren’t putting your vehicle through its paces and taking it off-road or towing with it. If you are just taking drives to and from work or around town, they won’t be necessary. However, if you are a more adventurous type, you might notice some signs that it’s time to upgrade to a better, more durable clutch.
For example, if you find that the clutches you have in your vehicle tend to wear out quickly, or if you notice problems shifting and staying in gear, it’s a sign that you need to upgrade to a heavy-duty clutch. Keep in mind that those regular clutches aren’t meant for the type of performance you need. The same is true if you find you need to keep repairing your clutch. It means that it’s just not strong enough to handle what you need it to do.
Something else you will want to watch for is unequal power balance. If you find that the revving of the engine doesn’t match your acceleration, it could be a clutch issue. You might also notice that the pedal doesn’t feel right when you press it. Stock clutches will often have these issues when you try to use them to perform things they weren’t meant to handle.
When people upgrade parts of their vehicles, they often want to improve the towing capacity. However, if you increase the capacity and don’t get a heavy-duty clutch, you are going to notice that the vehicle doesn’t perform the way it should.
When you need that extra power and performance, even if you don’t have anything wrong with your current clutch, consider an upgrade. Get something that performs better for the way you are using the vehicle. Getting a quality aftermarket heavy-duty clutch can make all the difference in the world.
Find the Right Aftermarket Clutch
Today, you have quite a few options available when it comes to heavy-duty clutches that can help improve your vehicle’s performance. However, this doesn’t mean that all are created equal. You need to be sure you are buying a quality product, and that it will fit your vehicle. Check to make sure you are buying the right kit for your make, model, and year.
You can then install the clutch on your own if you have the knowledge and the tools. If you are not confident in your capabilities, or if you just want to make your life a little easier, connect with a professional who can handle it for you. When it is installed, you will notice a change in your performance and capabilities immediately. You will wonder why you waited so long to get a better clutch.
Too many people don’t realize just how important the clutch is to performance. They modify their 4×4 to make it look great and to give it some basic upgrades without ever thinking about getting a heavy-duty clutch. As you can now see, this is a big mistake. You should take the time to check out your options for these clutches to find one that will work with your vehicle. Heavy-duty clutches can truly change the way your vehicle performs.