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Mis-matched Clutch Linkage On 1963 Cj5

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Jason Walker, Jan 18, 2021.

  1. Jan 18, 2021
    Jason Walker

    Jason Walker New Member

    Salt Lake City, UT
    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2020
    Messages:
    8
    Hey guys, long story short, I am struggling to assemble/install the clutch linkage, specifically the fork to the throwout bearing. What makes it more complicated is that the previous owner installed a mid-60'a Ford Mustang motor in so I am not sure if the bellhousing and clutch components are Ford or Jeep. The bell housing is connected to the standard T90 tranny.

    When I was pulling the tranny and motor out, the clutch linkage blew apart somehow (my fault, I know, but not entirely sure how I did it...) so I was not able to see how this stuff was assembled originally. There are 3 components specifically that I am struggling with. Those are the clutch fork, the throwout bearing and a hollow tube with a flared end.

    Throwout bearing: I can obviously tell the side that touches the pressure plate. The other side has two spring tabs that mate to the prongs on the clutch fork. I cannot see any other feature/detail that more permanently mounts the throwout bearing to the clutch fork, and that just does not make sense to me...

    Clutch fork: Again, I can easily tell which side connects to the throwout bearing and which side connects to the threaded rod outside of the bell housing. In the center is a spring tab (come to find out it is called an anti-rattle clip) near where the fork sits on a bracket mounted on the inside of the bell housing. This is the pivot point. When I rebuilt my clutch on my 1952 M38, I believe the fork mounted to/pivoted on a ball/socket component rather than balancing on the bracket that I have. Not a very thorough research job, but because of this, I am thinking that this clutch came from the Mustang and not the jeep. My issue here though is that I cannot figure out how to mount the fork to the bracket using the anti-rattle clip. I have tried multiple configurations and each time, the fork can easily fall off. Even when connected to the throwout bearing and the threaded rod, it falls apart on the first time you depress the pedal. I have likely bent the anti-rattle clip with all my attempts so I'll be ordering a new one, but I am concerned I am going to screw this one up trying to figure it out.

    Hollow tube with flared end: This part.... I have no idea what it is or where it goes. I purposefully left all the dirt/oil/grease on the bellhousing in hopes that I could see imprints/markings of where the rod goes. I cannot see anything whatsoever that may even hint at where this part goes. when I finally pulled the bell housing off the T90 and motor and pulled off the plate that covers the bottom half of the bell housing opening near the fly wheel, this rod fell out along with the fork and throwout bearing. I cannot believe that it somehow fell into the bellhousing as I was pulling everything else apart to be able to remove the motor and tranny, but again, I cannot see where this thing goes.

    Here are a few photos of what I am working with. I will certainly clean the dirt/grease/oil off once I know how to assemble this, but I understand it does make it a bit hard to see the details such as the plate the fork balances on and that the anti-rattle clip attaches too. I am happy to take more photos or explain better if anyone needs.

    Can anyone help me figure out how this is to be assembled?
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Jan 18, 2021
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014
    Messages:
    1,725
    Welcome from Michigan, Jason. I can't help you as my Jeep is all stock parts, but the people here will help you out I am sure. They are a great group of Guys and Ready, Willing, and able to Help solve most any problem. Good Luck
     
  3. Jan 18, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Do you have a plate adapter between the transmission and bell housing? Looks like you do. If so, this indicates you have a Ford bell housing.

    The T-90 can be configured a couple of ways to work with either the Chevy or Ford small block. The Ford was less popular than the Chevy, likely because the Fords had a front sump that gets in the way of front axle travel. They both were popular though.

    The two suppliers for adapters in business currently are Novak and Advance Adapters. Pretty sure Novak does not offer an adapter for the Fords, but Advance probably does. Back int eh day, TransDapt was another choice, but I think they are out of this market now. I would check both the Advance and Novak sites for hints on how this might go together. Both sites have a lot of links to look.
     
  4. Jan 18, 2021
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,170
    There needs to be a pivot ball for the throwout release arm. The throwout bearing/carrier slides on the transmission bearing retainer snout, and there should be a ball stud on the bearing retainer part of the snout. There is a round cast depression on the bearing retainer (drivers side) that looks like it may have broken off (there is another shallow socket on the passenger side that is not used for anything). The (possible) broken part of the casting is what held a pivot ball stud for the throwout arm. The problem I see is the opening in the bellhousing for the throwout arm is located too low for the Jeep pivot ball location.
    Your application looks like a case where a hydraulic throwout bearing might be a solution.
    I have no idea what the pencil shaped part is for. We need to see the rest of the parts that were used for your clutch operation.
    -Donny
     
  5. Jan 18, 2021
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2006
    Messages:
    762
    The bellhousing appears to be a '60s ford piece that uses a different style pivot then a GM or Jeep. You will need a ford throwout arm to work with this setup.I am familiar with this as I have a Ford FE motor and bellhousing in a pickup and I can see the pivot point in your bellhousing.They are flat not round and riveted on and not changable.Maybe a later bell that will fit your motor.All you really need to do is obtain a correct ford release arm and throw -out bearing and install it. That simple.Parts are available . mike
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2021
    jpflat2a likes this.
  6. Jan 21, 2021
    Jason Walker

    Jason Walker New Member

    Salt Lake City, UT
    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2020
    Messages:
    8
    Thanks everyone for the posts. To close this out, even though I doubt many will have this same issue, turns out it was quite simple. Confirmed the fork, pivot bracket and throwout bearing were all Ford and the clutch linkage that connects to the fork all the way back to the clutch pedal was all Jeep. The hollow tube is part of the Ford clutch linkage that connects to the fork outside the bell housing. Seems like the previous owner who did the swap just 'forgot' to throw it away as it is not needed if using Jeep linkages. Just needed to replace the anti-rattle clip as mine was extremely bent out of shape. With the new anti-rattle clip, the fork stayed in place, allowing me to completing final assembly. Works like a charm now. Gotta love an easy $6 fix!
     
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