Clutch linkage issues

[Outlaws77]

I've got a 77 K10 I bought from a guy who swapped in an SM465 xmsn with mechanical clutch linkage. I have had multiple occurrences of the bellcrank popping off of the pivot ball when I let off the pedal at moments of high torque, most frequently on rutted roads or when I think the frame/drivetrain might be shifting around. I've been considering swapping in a hydraulic clutch conversion, as the bracket on the bellhousing would keep the input centered on the fork at all times. It is really starting to get old as it made me late for work this morning and I need to get a perma-fix done immediately. Anyone have any ideas on what would be the easiest, cheapest solution? Thanks!

 

[dyeager535]

Stock '85+ donor parts are the easiest/cheapest AFAIK, although I think advance adapters (?) makes some parts to retrofit a hydraulic clutch to mechanical bellhousing.

A solution I suppose if you happen to find a set of the right pedals, or convert yours.

If it's doing it on the street, something else must be going on though. Plenty of people drive the mechanical stuff around all the time, and don't have issues, at least on the street.

Pushed hard offroad with the stock flimsy frame it's a known issue, but happening on the street, I'd be looking for another cause.

 

[Outlaws77]

If it's doing it on the street, something else must be going on though. Plenty of people drive the mechanical stuff around all the time, and don't have issues, at least on the street.

It's doing it on the street. Any probable causes you can think of? I'm going to check the fork/throwout bearing alignment when I get home.

 

[nvrenuf]

Something is loose. Motor or tcase mounts? If bad everything can move around.

Edit: check body mounts too.

 

[Outlaws77]

Just took another look, the clutch fork might be off the pivot ball, as it has up and down and in and out play. Is there a trick to reseating or do I need to drop the trans?

 

[Chevy305]

I have a mechanical clutch and never had it pop out once. You have something wrong. Check the bushings on the pivot balls and the balls themselves for wear. Also you need to have a spring holding the rod into the clutch fork. If you don't have one you need to put one in.

 

[82355]

Just replace it with a hydraulic setup. The mechanical linkages suck.

Martin

 

[Snoozer]

I'm currently selling one of Novak's "Hydro Clutch Retrofit" kits in the Classifieds section right now. http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311075

This kit lets you keep your mechanical bellhousing, and allows you to convert to a hydro clutch system. You'll still need to source a clutch master and figure out your pedal situation (easiest method is to swap the pedal assembly out to hydro pedals). But going this Novak route lets you keep your current bellhousing mounted to the engine. Whereas, if you swapped to a hydro bell, you'd obviously be pulling the trans out to do so.

Here's a link to the kit on Novak's website: http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/clutch/kit_hcrc.htm


Just food for thought. Another option.

P.S. If you do decide to consider this, you'll need to find the Part Number on your current bellhousing and make sure that its compatible to the kit. Novak lists the compatible ones on that same page.