JT/JL Clutch and Flywheel explained by ACT

[ACTman]

Does anyone know if the stock factory clutch slave cylinder, or the hydraulic line, have what is known as the "Clutch Delay Valve" in place? This is installed in all manual trans. Dodge Challengers and contributes to vague, inconsistent clutch feel. I have searched and cannot find any reference to it in Jeep forums. In the case of the Challengers, it is easily removed and vastly improves clutch operation.

Yes, there is a clutch delay valve in the slave cylinder. The restrictor can be removed with some effort, but it will not make much difference. The restrictor slows the flow of fluid in one direction (as clutch is engaging), but it only prevents very fast or sudden clutch drops. This can make a big difference for drag racing as you launch the car, but in the Jeep, I doubt you will notice anything.

I would attribute the vague clutch feel of Dodge Challenger to the poor twin disc design. We tested a brand new Challenger clutch and one disc begins to engage long before the other one. The weird non-progressive engagement is great for drivability (prevents stalling), but terrible for those looking for performance.

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[mrhemi]

Yes, there is a clutch delay valve in the slave cylinder. The restrictor can be removed with some effort, but it will not make much difference. The restrictor slows the flow of fluid in one direction (as clutch is engaging), but it only prevents very fast or sudden clutch drops. This can make a big difference for drag racing as you launch the car, but in the Jeep, I doubt you will notice anything.

I would attribute the vague clutch feel of Dodge Challenger to the poor twin disc design. We tested a brand new Challenger clutch and one disc begins to engage long before the other one. The weird non-progressive engagement is great for drivability (prevents stalling), but terrible for those looking for performance.

Thanks for the information, saves me taking mine apart for a look. Could you clarify if the Delay Valve is installed in the hydraulic line (as it is in a Dodge Challenger) or in the slave cylinder body itself?
Being the original owner of a Challenger SRT CORE, I will disagree with you on the effectiveness of removing the Clutch Delay Valve (on a Challenger). While the delay valve's purpose is as you described, it has an annoying side effect of causing inconsistent engagement of the clutch. Myself, and an innumerable number of Challenger owners found the removal of the Clutch Delay Valve remedied that particular quirk. The first two mods a new 6spd. Challenger owner should complete is the installation of a "Skip Shift Eliminator" and removal of the "Clutch Delay Valve". You will not regret it.
So, the point of my original question was if the Clutch Delay Valve is present in the Gladiator setup, would it's removal have the same effect as it does on a Challenger. No argument from me that the original Jeep clutch is a pos, but I am currently subject to the factory recall, which has recently been completed. So far, the recall clutch and software reflash is better, but far from what I consider to be acceptable. I have six manual trans vehicles from various manufacturers and vintages in my fleet that my wife and I drive regularly. Some, I have had tweak to get acceptable clutch feel, some are great right from the OEM (especially the 50+ year old vehicles). So when I get some free time I guess I will look at the Gladiators hydraulics.

 

[ACTman]

Thanks for the information, saves me taking mine apart for a look. Could you clarify if the Delay Valve is installed in the hydraulic line (as it is in a Dodge Challenger) or in the slave cylinder body itself?
Being the original owner of a Challenger SRT CORE, I will disagree with you on the effectiveness of removing the Clutch Delay Valve (on a Challenger). While the delay valve's purpose is as you described, it has an annoying side effect of causing inconsistent engagement of the clutch. Myself, and an innumerable number of Challenger owners found the removal of the Clutch Delay Valve remedied that particular quirk. The first two mods a new 6spd. Challenger owner should complete is the installation of a "Skip Shift Eliminator" and removal of the "Clutch Delay Valve". You will not regret it.
So, the point of my original question was if the Clutch Delay Valve is present in the Gladiator setup, would it's removal have the same effect as it does on a Challenger. No argument from me that the original Jeep clutch is a pos, but I am currently subject to the factory recall, which has recently been completed. So far, the recall clutch and software reflash is better, but far from what I consider to be acceptable. I have six manual trans vehicles from various manufacturers and vintages in my fleet that my wife and I drive regularly. Some, I have had tweak to get acceptable clutch feel, some are great right from the OEM (especially the 50+ year old vehicles). So when I get some free time I guess I will look at the Gladiators hydraulics.

The delay valve is in the port to the slave cylinder.

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