New Clutch Noise / Issue's

I have searched the forum, but could find similar issues with a new clutch so here are my issue. I finally found the time to finish putting my jeep back together after rebuilding the engine (1971 with a 1978 231 V6). I put a new clutch in since I had every thing apart. I had noticed that when I put the T.O. bearing onto the clutch fork that it wasn't near center (with the in put shaft). I used my old input shaft as a alignment tool to align the clutch to the fly wheel. When I did that I noticed that the clutch fork was now riding at say the 11& 6 o'clock on the T.O. bearing, and not say 1 and 5 o'clock on the fork finger. So when I started the motor it fired right up, ideals nice, but the T.O. bearing was squealing. I know that the squealing noise with a clutch generally means that the T.O. bearing is going, but all is new. So I shut down the motor completely backed off any and all pressure off of the T.O. bearing, and no noise. Restarted the motor and lightly moved the clutch fork forward by hand with no squealing or noise until it touched the pressure plate. I could hear the bearing almost like it was tinging off the pressure plate (almost the same noise if you put a plastic strip into a running fan). I am wondering if and it wouldn't surprise me if I have to short of clutch fork to begin with since it's not completely holding the T.O. bearing. So at this point I am not sure what to do, I have never changed or messed with clutches before. At first I was happy the motor started with no issues, but now I need help with the clutch.

 

I don't know, atleast I thought I did. Thank You, atleast I have a starting point...will investigate.

 

Depending on your release arm the "springs" built into the arm go into the t/o bearing groove along with the arm. Many people put the "springs" outside the groove and it creates issues. The "springs" (spring steel "s" shaped pieces of metal) are meant to hold tension in the groove to keep the t/o bearing from moving around when the clutch is in the engaged position (foot off pedal). This can cause squeals like you describe as the t/o bearing is moving around way too much when your foot is off the pedal.

 

Here's a picture from the Novak article of what nickmil is describing:

This is the incorrect method for installing a GM release fork onto its throwout bearing and will cause malfunction and / or component breakage.



This is the correct method for installation a GM release fork onto its throwout bearing.

 

Thank you all for the advice, I just got back from camping. I am hoping to get back after it in the next couple of days. Thank You again,

 

Well, pulled the clutch boot and it was alittle hard to see, but I found the problem. My clutch fork jumped off of the T/O bearing and was in front of it, so I put the fork on the T/O bearing and my clutch works. I just need to fine tune it, our short ride was awsome after a two year break. Still wondering if my fork is too short...