I did not want to go to the expense of a hyd. setup so I bought the kit from Speed Direct. It is a little pricey for a set of Heim joints and some tubing (one with a slight bend). It also has the hardware and some brackets for the clutch fork. I went about installing this but I did not like the hardware. I have grade 8 bolts that are not threaded all the way up and wanted to have the Heim joints riding on the smooth part of the bolt. I know I'm a little **** about this stuff but I have seen the threads get flattened over the course of time. I also had to modify the brackets slightly for the clutch fork. My setup has the end of the fork coming very close to the firewall. The brackets have squared off ends and I thought they would hit. Off to the grinder to round off the corner of the upper bracket as you can see in the picture. The only bad part of this kit IMO is the way the brackets attach to the clutch fork. If you tighten down on the bolt it will crush the end of the fork and it will never get tight enough to where it won't slip. I got a 3/8 sleeve and cut it to the right size which was .700 on my fork. Installed the sleeve in between and locked everything down. It is rock solid now and much smoother than the old linkage. I have not driven it but just pushing the clutch in and out it is a lot better.

 

That really looks good and very strong. I went with a hydraulic setup; cost about $120.00. I did have to cut the floor pan a little to clear the fork though.
Bernie

 

Gordonm that is a great idea. i had the same complaint. I am going to add this sleeve now. The kit is pricey but I would have had to buy all new hardware anyway since I am converting to manual so it really wasn't that bad. Thanks for sharing!

Wade

 

looks good , what was the motivation to beef it up? were you bending the previous linkage

 

Just wanted it smoother. The linkage was all new about 5K miles ago but was squeaking and just not smooth. I had lubed it and still not much better. When I got it apart I noticed tha tthere was some wear in the holes and on the pins going into the holes. Just wanted to smooth it out.

The sleeve that I used was a Lowes special. Just went through their bins and located a 3/8 sleeve that was 1 inch long. Trimmed it down to .700 and it fit perfect.

 

I like the set up but, I would drill all the bolts and add cotter pins or some other set up to be sure that vibration does not cause a lost bolt and leave you stranded. Just a thought. Mark

 

I thought of that to but they do have lock washers. I will probably go and loctite them on once everything is set. It might be all coming out anyway, thinking of going with a stroker motor next.

 

do you have a 4 bolt main to go with that 400 crank or just a complete new motor?

 

I have a 4 bolt main in the car and have another block that is a 4 bolt main in the basement. I am thinking of going 383 or 396. I would not use a 400 crank. I am going to use a forged aftermarket crank. This motor will also see 7000 rpm.

 

Wish I had know about the kit from Speed Direct in 2004, would have save be some time. Stock clutchrod is on the bottom.

 

I almost feel like I talked Gordon into the Speed Direct clutch linkage when he PM'd me. I hope you are happy with it. My stock system was all new about 5 years ago also and it was already making popping noises that I didn't like either. So I ordered the same kit. It really smoothed the whole clutch linkage and it is now like butter. Like you, I ditched the kits hardware and went to Lowes and came home with Grade 8 stuff. The exception was that I used lockwashers and nyloc nuts. I just tightened everything up till the lockwasher was flat. I keep an eye on it but have not noticed anything coming loose in the time I have had it installed.

 

You did! It feels much smoother and once I get everything back together it should be good to go. I was thinking the nyloc nuts also.

Len, it looks like Bubba got to your linkage

 

I was thinking of that set up for my ' 77 once I get to that place. For sure will do that now . Thanks for the info & nice picture .

John

 

Gordon, Looks good with the sleeve to prevent crushing, wouldn't hurt to add some high temp grease there, or some high temp nylon washers....don't scratch my block...

 

Actually that's one Bubba mod that came in handy. With the Centerforce DF I needed a longer clutchrod.

 

I recently switched to an adjustable Mr Gasket clutchrod (part # in an archived post somewhere) that replaced my heavily Bubba'ed extended 3 piece stock clutchrod!

 

I'll be careful!