Chain clutch linkage

So would there be any reason not to fabricate a chain clutch linkage similar to Advance Adapters by using a bicycle chain and sprocket? I found the thread by Willysnut where he used #40 roller chain to fab one up but he spent $45 or so to do it, Where I think I could basically do it for free with a spare bike chain, sprocket, and the other materials I have laying around.

I believe the tensile strength of a common bike chain is around 1500 pounds right? So what is the average force applied to the clutch linkage and what is the tensile strength of a stock clutch cable?

Would it work?

 

i dont think you apply 1500 lbs thats for sure..
but think about this. the reason i changed mine over to the AA chain was i lost the clutch rod after crawling up one side of a hill and before i could shut down the engine to fix it, i 1/2 way fell off a small cliff on the other side (7 foot or so drop). the only thing we could do was tighten down seat belts and go all the way to the bottom since the body was sitting on the area where the clutch was. would you want to trust your clutch assmbly to a mere bike chain? heavy dity all the way.
idea, maybe weld 2 sprockets together with a small gap like a double roller timing chain and have 2 bike chains?
if you are handy...i wouldnt trust it with MY fab skills tho...

 

I matched what the AA kit had so I could obtain several parts from them for my setup. Take pics and post your results here:hurrican:
Oh yeah, just make sure your bracket has zero flex when you press on it.

 

Willysnut, could I get you to take a pic of the adapter that attaches the chain to your clutch cable and the linkage from your clutch pedal to the chain? If you have the time/inclination that is. I can't seem to find a good pic on this site or on the internet of the AA solution. If anyone else has a link to one that shows more detail that would be great.

2 bike chains and 2 sprockets sound like a better solution, I have a couple junk bikes at my disposal so grabing the parts won't be a problem. I will have to figure out how to attach the chains at each end so they will share the load. If nothing else I can always scrap the chain and sprockets and attach a heavier roller chain and idler sprocket to the mount I will have to make. Anything is better than the current botched up semi-stock setup that was on it when I got the Jeep.

 

I tried to make up a roller chain set up, but the weak point ended up being the bracket, or should I say the frame where the bracket mounted. It flexed something awful. My guess is that you would need to attach the bracket to either both sides of the frame and/or the Xfer case somehow.

But you did mention "low dollar", so allow me to introduce you to THIS article. It immediately took out the binding, the pedal felt easier and smoother, and best of all, it only ran me about $25 or so for the whole thing.

FWIW, I don't think I'd be comfortable with bike chain holding my clutch pedal down. I used to snap bike chains when I was racing BMX. If some young ox of a kid can do it, I'm sure a Jeep can too.

 

THose are the parts I bought from AA, to simpilfy my installation. With the PTO shaft and all the mud a pic wouldn't show enough detail to help you out, I'm currently working on my son's CElica for the weekend (Valve stem seals) so I'll be busy with that all weekend.

 

I copied AA also and ran 40 pitch chain sprocket. The bracket was flexing so I guuseted the back over to a mounting tab on the vertical portion of the frame rail and it's been fine for over 20 years of hard use.
I highly reccomend the chain design. I was able to use a single sprocket of a larger diameter that gives almost straight chain pull.
Whatever you do is far better than stock!!

 

Holy revided thread! Batman. What ever happened to get that guy banned? The linkage he made was a good idea anyone else have pics of there installation?

 

Here is my chain clutch build. See post #165
http://www.earlycj5.net/forums/showthread.php?79103-66-CJ5-Rebuild/page17

 

Great pics!