Quick heads up re RAM clutches

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   Hi! I have just found a problem with these guys that anyone thinking of using their clutch kits should be aware of. I have used the 88499HDX kit from RAM twice now and had it fail twice in under 6000 miles. The good news is that if you want a good old school B+B heavy duty clutch for a modest street machine or resto it is a great choice. It might be the only choice now, to be fair, but it is a good one. A bit heavy for some but I personally like it and it handles anything you are likely to do on the street. 
Bad news is that their throw out bearings seem to be a problem. First of all they include the 69 and earlier unit in every kit, regardless of model year. It will work on a 70 and up but you will have a persistent rattle any time your foot is off the pedal and worse yet, it will rub on the bearing retainer and destroy it in about 10,000 miles. Ask me why I know? The correct bearing is #1489 for 69 and before and #1491 for 1970 and up. 

Second and worse issue is that they are using some cheap Chinese made bearings in their kits. I had two fail identically by separating the bearing itself from the collar assembly. It is press fit and obviously not good enough. I also see what looks like excessive wear on the collar and the bearing itself works ok after separation but I think it is in the process of failing. Rattling internally and loose feeling. 

Replace the bearing with something better and that fits! The rest of the kit is great but unless you enjoy replacing TO bearings spend the extra $75 and buy a good one. I think after that you will be happy with the rest of the kit. 

Chris