i was reading about the problems people are having with the clutches and the transfer case and my question is ....is there anyway to help preserve these parts, or is there any cheap parts you can get to help save them.

also if launching is the problem is there a safer way to launch that may sacrifice some time but help keep the clutch and the Tc.

 

Yup...don't do it unless you have the $$$ to replace parts. Use the rolling start instead of the standing start. I heard the stock clutch only has about 7-10 passes on it before it goes.

A new clutch that is more durable is the Exedy twin disk (quite popular) but at $1200, not cheap. Like I said, you have to pay to play.

 

Driving style can kill the stock clutch quick. The stock clutch is not as weak a lot of people believe it to be.

Mitsubishi put a clutch restrictor inside the clutch line to prevent quick clutch engagement. The purpose of this is to slow down how fast the clutch can grab. If doing a high rpm clutch drop, this will cushion the driveline from the shock load and will *reduce* your chances of breakage significantly. And now for 05, Mitsu put a 5k rpm launch rev limiter because people are still managing to break driveline parts.

A lot of people remove their clutch restrictors, yet don't have any problems with breakage. Some people have 80+ drag strip launches on their stock clutch and still going strong. Some people have run 11s on their stock clutch. This proves that our stock clutch has good holding power and can withstand a fair share of abuse. Learn how to properly launch an AWD car (i.e. quick clutch slips from 4-5k rpm) and you shouldn't have to worry about breakage. Also, let off the gas immediately if you get wheel hop. That'll break your front diff quickstyle.

 

so the 05 clutches will theoretically last longer if used correctly?


...and is there an aftermarked clutch which doesnt put a lot of stess on the transfer case

 

Any clutch will theoretically last longer if used correctly. I believe all the stock clutches are the same between the 03-05 models.

Most aftermarket clutches are stronger than stock. So your chances of breaking your t-case will be even higher if you use the same driving technique. Change your technique and your driveline will be fine.

 

i hear a lot more about clutches than drivelines. if you have to use it for takeoff? then make sure that you are not dropping it but slipping it. if you drive it nicely, and take care of it, it should last just fine. there are a few people on the boards that are running about 40k on a stocker. it is all driving technique. i know a few guys who have put in ACT organic discs, ordered them for around 500, and paid 300-400 for install. the good thing about a clutch going is you can feel it, and even though it makes the car not very entertaining to drive, it can last for a little while if you milk it. allowing you time to get paid, order, and get installed, before you are busted down on the highway in the snow.

 

ps- my mitsu dealer says they build the clutch as the week point in the car, so that the tranny, or driveline isnt the thing to go. maybe that is just their way of justifing the fact that it wont last. not sure. the mechanics all beleive that it is a good, effective clutch, and most of the problems are driver misuse/abuse/technique related.

 

dont take it to the track -will save your clutch