ACT Performance Clutch with Pro-Mass Flywheel Review for Jeep JL Wrangler & JT Gladiator

Welcome back to the Gator Overland Channel. In this video we explain our experience with the ACT performance clutch upgrade with Pro-Mass flywheel. It's unfortunate, but there has been some issue with the factory clutch that causes slipping the the point of overheating and in some cases has caused the clutch to fragment. This new clutch system solves the shortcomings of the factory clutch and adds additional inertia with the new flywheel. You will not regret this upgrade!! This is how the manual transmission should have been built. Its INCREDIBLE!!
ACT website link
products.advancedclutch.com/jeep
ACT JL/JT clutch series:
• Jeep JL Wrangler and G...
ACT JL/JT clutch install:
• ACT Clutch Install: 20...
ACT contact:
Dirk Starksen (President)
[phone]
[e-mail]
Gator Overland Email: [e-mail]
Facebook/Facebook messenger: / jkhartel3 or John Hartel
Instagram: @gator_overland
Video Timeline:
Intro- 0:00
Opening- 1:10
ACT walkthrough- 2:52
ACT clutch development- 3:47
My experience with the clutch- 7:32
Big Bend- 13:00
Things to know for maintenance and install- 15:50
Things that are different- 18:50
Closing- 21:35
‪@TrailRecon‬ ‪@TheStradman‬ ‪@TFLtruck‬ ‪@JKGearandGadgets‬ ‪@LiteBrite‬ ‪@21SethG‬ ‪@JTRSpartacus‬ ‪@JLLIFEOFFROAD‬ ‪@AdvancedClutchTechnology‬ ‪@tempuslogix‬ ‪@venture4wd‬ ‪@DirtLifestyle‬ ‪@LifestyleOverland‬ ‪@GasTachs‬

[@wilsonwagner4446]

Your first review sold me on the manual transmission for the gladiator. This review sold me on this upgrade. Well done!

[@GatorOverland]

Thanks Wilson! Sold or not, I hope you’ve enjoyed your manual experience so far.. if you’re considering the upgrade it’s going to be a lot better!! I love it! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment… save the manuals!!!

[@regenakowitz]

I totally giggled when you said that hill was "just shy of a mountain!" 😆 From what I could see, that was definitely a hill but we do have plenty of gorgeous mountains here in California and you should come check them out! 😄

[@GatorOverland]

😂😂Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment…especially from a overland celeb!!! yes, we definitely look forward going to California again when we have more time to throw out the anchor for a few days to explore north to south..

[@regenakowitz]

@@GatorOverland 😂I am definitely not a celebrity! I'm just me, but I was happy to watch and comment. If you ever decide to visit California, let me know and I can probably recommend a few good place. 😄

[@GatorOverland]

😂 I was just messing… We’ll just keep it at “offroad Chef” status… i will absolutely reach out when we head that way. I know folks Like to hold their gem close, but it’s nice to have at least a general direction advised when traveling hundreds of a miles… Thanks for extending your generosity and kindness beyond the media. 🤝

[@BeeRAD56]

Thank you for this video! I recently purchased a 2022 2 door rubicon with the six speed manual. I've been driving manual transmissions all my life and I absolutely hate this factory clutch. I'm sold on the ACT alternative after this video and will be upgrading soon!

[@GatorOverland]

30k miles later I Still absolutely love the ACT clutch and flywheel .. incredible upgrade.. get with Dirk at ACT if you have any questions. Here’s the full install video featuring my truck kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGLNZmhmmZqoeLMsi=eOSYOziVTWsAL5gm

[@rickster2929]

Been following you for a couple years. You actually took the time to text me a few times when i was having some issues getting my 37s balanced. I also have the manual and considered trading it in until i watched this video. Thanks for saving my Gator manual JT. This looks like exactly what the truck needs.

[@GatorOverland]

Great to hear from you!! This will put the beans in the pot for sure!!! I love it!

[@rickster2929]

What bumper are you running in the front I like it 👍

[@GatorOverland]

The factory MOPAR steel bumper kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3PRemeHg7tng6s

[@DavidMorales-cb4pe]

Did you do the work your self ?

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Jeep needs to see this video!

[@GatorOverland]

I totally agree

[@Tail_Dragger]

Far from a fan boy review. As always, so thorough and detailed. What a great solution.

[@GatorOverland]

Thanks bud! I appreciate that!! Tell the folks what they need to know!!🤝😂

[@rxtu7367]

Great video!!

[@GatorOverland]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment

[@mscott1187]

It amazes me how expensive these jeeps are yet they use really inferior parts in a lot of places......glad to see another option other than centerforce.

[@GatorOverland]

They are brute where they need to be… Unfortunately, there are shortcomings dealing with other manufacturers that are involved with parts on the vehicle or… You also have to take into account utilizing certain parts across the whole spand of vehicles in the Mopar inventory being shared brands,,Especially whenever it comes to driveline. We have 12,000 miles on our ACT clutch and absolutely no regrets… It performs so well.

[@sgf312]

Fellow SE Texan here, found your channel via clutch research, and now thinking about hot water! 😂. Assume they installed the organic disc vs the ceramic?

[@GatorOverland]

Wow small world.. we’re from fannett area! I went with the JP6-HDSS which is the street sprung with pro mass flywheel and it comes with the organic material and capable of 479ftlb torque.. all street sprung are organic The JP5-HDG6 thru JP7-HDG6 race sprung are the ceramic material.. and capable of 613ft/lb of torque

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

John, this is brilliant! I almost wish I could get my manual Gladiator back and put this clutch in! Lol! That wasn’t the only reason I traded (couldn’t turn down the chance to own a Rubicon 392!) but it always did put a tiny damper on it. It sounds like your Jeep with the new clutch now performs the way a lot of my previous Jeeps with manuals did. That is so cool that you got this opportunity and I really appreciate this video you made from it! You can tell the new clutch really made a difference based on your assessment. The manual I had in the 2022 Mojave would overheat on occasion, especially when towing and backing up.

[@GatorOverland]

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and comment. I always value your words in your videos and opinions.. no doubt this would have been the ideal upgrade for the Mojave… we shall see if it gets behind a hemi .😈.. Bubba of exodus 4x4 is doing a JL hemi manual swap, and I think he’s going act over centerforce.. 🤘🏼

[@Clark0321]

I’m at 100k+ on my stock JLU rubicon clutch and zero issues aside from clutch fade in extreme temperatures sitting in stop and go traffic. In fact, I was surprised by how sporty the clutch felt stock and it still feels just as springy as it did the day I bought with 300 miles. Offroad it works great in low gear all day for weeks, no issues. I am doing research now for future upgrade when it does goes out but I am surprised by how much they are under selling the stock clutch. I doubt it’s any different in the non rubicon models, but of course, can’t sell a product and praise the competition.

[@GatorOverland]

Totally right about that! I guarantee you won’t regret the ACT upgrade !! 30k so far and love it every day!!

[@milescivis1018]

Beautiful Lancaster CA! 😂

[@DxDOverland]

Good review. Thank you! My Gladiator has 38K miles and the clutch recently has started having a rough (and getting rougher) feel as the pedal is pressed and released. I'm caught between the newest recall on it and wondering if I should just go aftermarket. I've been using Centerforce clutches on my 2007 Wrangler (297K miles on it). But I'll keep ACT in mind. BTW, my first off-road adventure in the Gladiator was a January 2020 trip to Big Bend. Not my first time there, but still a great adventure. Part of it, Road to Nowhere 😅at the state park, was written up by one of my travel companions (Susan Dragoo) and published in OutdoorX4 magazine. The videos are on my YT channel.

[@GatorOverland]

This is awesome mark!! Great to hear from you!! ACT has 30% off right now!!!! I also was going centerforce until talking with ACT. As mentioned in the video, ACT only requires replacing the clutch and flywheel, all the other operations is still factory… Centerforce requires upgrading the hydraulics to work with their clutch.. I think they have revised it the hydraulics twice now for better feel on the “over center effects”. Hands down one of the best improvements over stock that I’ve done.. I do have a 5.13 regear, but the pro-mass flywheel makes these 37’s disappear.. I love it!!

[@snaketalejohnny]

Had to get mine replaced around the time of the first recall (around 32k miles and it was starting to slip in 5th and 6th gears), and it didn't feel like the replacement was identical to OEM. The good news was that the dealer did it at no charge due to the recall. Now they have yet another recall out for the same problem. Why did they use the SAME clutch assembly in the 21s-23s when they KNEW this was a problem? Either way, I was planning on getting an upgraded clutch from Centerforce, so thank you for showcasing another option! You may have changed my mind, and I might go this route once it's time to pull the trigger.

[@GatorOverland]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment Kyle… I’m sure both options are worthy of upgrade, but simply put, “less is more”, when it comes to mechanical components, especially ones that wear. Dirk has a good relationship with Centerforce, and had no qualms with me, making the decision to go with them if I had, but after talking with him for just a few minutes and understanding some of the advantages with the ACT (not to mention those legacy in motorsports already in the back of my mind) like you, I appreciated knowing there was another option out there. I’m sorry to hear you had issues so early on.. yes it’s been a known issue even further on into the 2018 wranglers .. cheaper for them to just replace with faulty clutches than re-engineer a new one.. who knows what their reasoning or limitations are for making the decisions. It’s time and money at this point.

[@m.stevenshackley]

Thanks for this. I've been driving MTs and 4X4s since 1968 and haven't really has much trouble with my 2022 JTR with 35s and stock 4.10 diffs. After your review and some other research, I've ordered the ACT clutch system. My question is what gears are you running? The stock 4.10s or?

[@GatorOverland]

thanks for taking the time to watch and reach out… I have about 20,000 miles on the ACT clutch and it has been incredible to say the least… Absolutely no comparison to stock… I run 37 with 513 gears. I have about 50,000 miles on regear with not 1 regret.. It performs better than stock even loaded down… I get between 18 and 20 miles per gallon at 63 through 68 mph anything over 72 mph drops to about 15 miles per gallon… Just too much wind resistance with the aerodynamics of a brick

[@geraldboschen9095]

New to the channel, Thank you for these videos, Thank you for owning a manual transmission! I'm looking at buying a gladiator-overland with manual tx from carmax (Ive ordered the shipping and waiting for it to arrive for a test drive, it only has 4k miles). Regarding the clutch issue, Did you have the recall performed where it limits the torque before you upgraded to the ACT? Thank you, Loved your review on it a while back.

[@GatorOverland]

Thanks for reaching out and the kind comment.. I did have the associated recall work and flash done early on, but never had any issues with the torque management prior or since ACT install.

[@geraldboschen9095]

Thank you for the reply@@GatorOverland

[@dalusa81]

my 2019 wrangler JL had a clutch failing at 42,000 miles. Replaced with ACT street-mass. I have a question. Do you have any trouble getting into 1st or reverse from a dead stop? Sometimes I have to either push hard or go into second (or any gear) first then it just slides into 1st.

[@GatorOverland]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. I have not noticed that it’s difficult to get in to first gear at a stop. I typically downshift the gears as I slow down so maybe inadvertently I’m doing exactly what you have to do to get into first. You may contact Dirk Starksen at ACT.. super great guy to deal with an brilliant clutch designer. He might have some info for you. Any information you get please reply to this nobody post for others.

[@BirdsMojave23]

Can we get a update on the clutch? How is your experience still? Also Some people are complaining about loud chatter type noise on take off and reverse…. Have you noticed anything abnormal?

[@GatorOverland]

It’s been a year to date since we did the clutch transplant… Absolutely no regrets… Performs flawlessly… There is a bit of chatter when in neutral but it’s not obnoxious… It’s very common with traditional clutches.

[@BirdsMojave23]

Great!!!! I’ve ordered one and plan to install in next week or two at most. Not worried about the normal clutch noise in neutral. Can’t wait!

[@GatorOverland]

I’m so excited for you… Please respond back with your thoughts after you install… Here is the step-by-step install by ACT… Actually features my vehicle kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGLNZmhmmZqoeLMsi=OhHPejma_NEHKFPw

[@BirdsMojave23]

@@GatorOverland installed last week and maybe put 100 miles on it so far. Some city and some highway. Notice the difference in the clutch and flywheel. So far happy with it but need to get it broken in good. It chatters pretty good in 1st and reverse with no throttle input. Still having issues with service transmission light but seems like that’s 100% programming issue that Jeep needs to fix. All and all happy with the ACT set up !

[@GatorOverland]

@BirdsMojave23 yes, the shuttering at low RPM is just a result of design… Nearly all mass shutter at low RPM.. glad to hear it’s working out for you🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@photographernotvandal2990]

Will the Street Mass have similar inertia benefits as pro mass ? Or do you need the pro mass to get those benefits in traffic and hills?

[@GatorOverland]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment… In my experience, the pro mass in combination with the larger 37 inch tires and towing our off-road trailer has been such an incredible improvement… The RPMs hold longer between shift change and make for a really nice transition to the next gear. The promass also shows its face when you’re in four Low… It wants to continue, turning rather than stall out… As far as the comparison between the street mass and the prom mass… The street mass is about 20% inertia increase over stock, and the pro mass is about 50% Inertia increase over stock… Under his advisement they made The Street mass, so there was options available, but he recommends the pro mass for every application, modified or stock and in my opinion it’s the way the vehicle should have performed from the factory. About 20,000 miles on this clutch now and it’s awesome to say the least… I love it on and off-road… Let me know if you have any questions.

[@photographernotvandal2990]

I wished I had watched your video before I ordered the street mass 😂 but I don’t plan on running anything bigger than 35s since I do a lot of commuting and using a trailer isn’t in my future. So I think the 20% should be ok for my application. Your mention of not having to shift so much in traffic and the ease of crawling without it stalling makes me extremely excited and I hope that even with the street mass I get similar results as you did. There are so many shortcomings with the stock clutch, I’m just shy of 1k miles and already having clutch failure. With your in depth explanation I now know this isn’t me being rusty with a manual, this is 100% a mfg. flawed part that is causing not only overheating friction plates but just a really terrible shifting experience. I think I’ve stalled more times in the last week than I have in the entire time I learned how to drive a stick when I was a teenager 😂 can’t wait to wheel the JT with the new clutch and experience all this amazing rig has to offer….without stalling and bucking 😂

[@GatorOverland]

😂 it’s not too late to change your mind , but Yes, I think you should be just fine with the street mass… Any inertia above factory is an improvement in my opinion… They now have a full install video specifically for the JT and it actually features my truck as the example, so, if you’re planning on doing it yourself, it’s a great step-by-step reference, including the torque specs…kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGLNZmhmmZqoeLMsi=D77P18MieyBF6I0x

[@Thisguyuknow]

What gear ratio are you running with those 37s? Your comment on mpg... Did you get that mpg prior to the act clutch or did the clutch dynamics improve your mileage?

[@GatorOverland]

I run 5.13 gears.. when I’m unloaded I get 18-20mpg.. before the regear it was 16-18mpg.. if you’re going 37’s i highly recommend the regear… especially if you are manual. I haven’t noticed any significant fuel eco improvement with the new clutch.

[@Thisguyuknow]

@@GatorOverland I used to run 35s and I was dead set that was the biggest I'd go. When I got it regeared the shop said I should go 4.88 incase I opted to go 37s later. I insisted on 4.56. I was getting like 16 to 18 mpg with 35s and 4.56 Fast forward 3 years I went bigger to 37s. And I'm getting 15 mpg at best (stock clutch) usually closer to 14. I don't weigh it with as much gear as you do but I do tow and haul a lot. I have been debating if I should step up to 4.88 or go for 5.13.

[@Thisguyuknow]

@@GatorOverland one other question for you. Did you have any issue with the higher mass flywheel and the autostop /start? I had read feed back on the similar centerforce part that it was better just to use in tandem with a tazer and disable the autostop/start.

[@GatorOverland]

I was in that fence for a while, but I was advised that 5.13 is more ideal for the heavier truck application in general. I have a buddy with a JLU that went 4.88 and wishes he with 5.13.. in the end it makes a difference of 200rpm… if your cruising at 65 @2000 rpm with 4.88 the 5.13’s would be 2200.. I have no regrets going 5.13 and my 37’s tires are actually 35.5” @ 30psi, so mathematically 4.88 would be idea.. but with on 6spd vs 8, the 5.13 is where it’s at for me 🤝

[@GatorOverland]

I’ve read the same and I do not have an issue with ASS.. I had originally done the plunger disconnect to deactivate the ASS along time ago but reconnected it to have an answer to this specific question. Works fine.. I think it’s a suggestion for “longevity”.. I have since disconnected the plunger to deactivate it again.

[@DavidMorales-cb4pe]

I have a dumb question Whats the difference between JP5-HDG6 and JP6-HDG6 ? 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@GatorOverland]

Jp5 613 torque capacity with The Street Mass flywheel (20% more inertia) JP6 613 torque capacity with promass flywheel (50% more inertia) (These are ideal for boosted or higher horsepower vehicles) mine is the JP6 - HDDS which is the 479 torque capacity with pro max flywheel

[@acutter4399]

I don't have any off road / jeep shop to install this clutch in my area (ohio) . Any suggestions ?

[@GatorOverland]

That’s a great question.. I’m unfamiliar with Ohio area. I have a friend that owns a shop in Sydney Ohio, but unsure if this is something they do. Can’t hurt to reach out .. his name is Jason viapiano Bad Attitude Off Road [phone] tell him John from gator overland referred you Here’s what I googled for shops in Ohio www.google.com/search?q=offroad+shop+ohio&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#trex=m_dg:1,m_r:1,m_t:gwp,rc_q:offroad%2520shop%2520ohio,rc_ui:10,ru_gwp:0%252C6,ru_q:offroad%2520shop%2520ohio,trex_id:qT2t2d

[@acutter4399]

That works for me . I live 45 min from Sidney .

[@GatorOverland]

Bingo.. give Jason a shout If you need more information about the clutch system, reach out to advance, clutch and talk to Dirk… Super nice guy This is the model clutch and flywheel I have www.advancedclutch.com/jp6-hdss-hd-o-perf-street-sprung

[@GatorOverland]

I let Jason know you may reach out

[@banic8576]

What running boards are those?

[@GatorOverland]

Rock slide engineering

[@klownsho1]

So would this increase my towing from 4500 lbs

[@GatorOverland]

Technically no.. the just the same that airbags won’t increase your cargo capacity… It will only enhance the ability you’re still held to federal regulations unless you went out for engineering test.. Now will it be more credible than the factory clutch pulling 4500 pounds? Absolutely. .. There’s no testing done to show what it increases to for the Jeep gladiator, but the torque clamp force is now 479 foot pounds 273 which is nearly the torque rating of the engine… This new clutch could hold up to V8 power .. just know that it’s stronger than the factory clutch

[@davidwhitman9609]

I’m sold. I love our Jeep but it is the worst clutch I’ve ever driven

[@GatorOverland]

I have 12,000 miles on my ACT… Love every shift, every mile, every day… Best thing I could’ve done for the manual transmission…

[@DavidMorales-cb4pe]

Take my money How much

[@GatorOverland]

They are actually on special right now… Normal price is 1400, but they are 1189.. You can do it yourself and 5.5 to 6 hours with minimal specialty tools. I’m not sure what the shop is going to charge, but typically it’s $150 an hour. So $2000 to $3000 -ish for parts and labor