71 Clutch Issue
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw Mi
71 Clutch Issue
I just replaced the original clutch. The clutch was a factory 11" which was replaced with a Ram 11". The flywheel was resurfaced and everything went together without a hitch, but with the clutch adjustment is all the was out and I don't have full engagement on the clutch. It's like I need another 1 inch on the rod length. I can just peek inside the clutch fork hole and everthing seems to be working correctly, but I still have too much freeplay.
Suggestions?
Dave
I also replaced the clutch rod from the z-bar to the fork. The orig had an oblonged hole at the fork end, and at the other end, it was worn as well. I checked and it is the same length as the old one.
Suggestions?
Dave
I also replaced the clutch rod from the z-bar to the fork. The orig had an oblonged hole at the fork end, and at the other end, it was worn as well. I checked and it is the same length as the old one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
There are different length throw out bearings. The Ram clutch you used is a bent cone diaphram clutch? If you went to a Borg/Beck style clutch you probably have the wrong TOB.
You may need a new clucth pivot ball stud with a longer length there were 3 different lengths offered by Chevy, I think only 2 are avalible now or you can get an adjustable one.
You may need a new clucth pivot ball stud with a longer length there were 3 different lengths offered by Chevy, I think only 2 are avalible now or you can get an adjustable one.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw Mi
The clutch is a diaphram type, I did not think to see if the t/o bearing was the same length and it's to late now. As far as cutting and welding I thought about doing that but only as a last resort. Somethings not right here.
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
I picked up this reference sheet from Centerforce clutches. Might give a clue to some measurements you can check:
ClutchPivotBall.pdf
I have a raised fingers 11" diaphram pressure plate w/short TOB. I used Keislers copy of the 621 bell and set my pivot ball distance to the suggested 4.75" (from attached pdf file) with expected results: works great. Also replaced my OEM linkage with Speed Direct's clutch linkage kit and no issues there either.
I understand there are a long TOB and a short TOB for Chev: short for use with peaked clutch fingers (B&B or diaphram) or long for fingers that lay more flat.
Can't speak to a third TOB? Maybe someone can ID. Hope this gives comparison info. Good luck.
ClutchPivotBall.pdf
I have a raised fingers 11" diaphram pressure plate w/short TOB. I used Keislers copy of the 621 bell and set my pivot ball distance to the suggested 4.75" (from attached pdf file) with expected results: works great. Also replaced my OEM linkage with Speed Direct's clutch linkage kit and no issues there either.
I understand there are a long TOB and a short TOB for Chev: short for use with peaked clutch fingers (B&B or diaphram) or long for fingers that lay more flat.
Can't speak to a third TOB? Maybe someone can ID. Hope this gives comparison info. Good luck.
Last edited by Dustup7T2; Mar 23, 2010 at 04:35 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,631
Likes: 3
From: Hollister and twain harte C.A
and i let it sit for over a year+ [so pissed]
I have a 71 vert 350 with a ram clutch.......
Dont cut nothing , the fork will hit the back of
bellhousing
the fingers on a ram clutch ARE LOWER ,
the only way to fix it is a new clutch or what i did pulled it back out \
put in the longer BALL STUD ON THE BELLHOUSING .
chevy made a short and long ,the long will make it right.
i was so mad i had a clutch shop do it for me
for $400 cash
sorry for the bad NEWS
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw Mi
Thanks all, I will consider all my options. Doing it correctly involves pulling the trans and I'm not sure I want to do that so soon seeing as how mine didn't want to come out all that easy. Plus the fact I'm old and my back can't take cold concrete floors like they use to.
Dave
Dave
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Summit Racing sells the ball stud.
Good luck, I feel your pain.
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,631
Likes: 3
From: Hollister and twain harte C.A
I got mine from a corvette parts shop {GM} part
just shop around trans shops .
i had no help , I put it off way to long ,more like 2 years
the shop did it in one day , it was worth the $$$
good luck
just shop around trans shops .
i had no help , I put it off way to long ,more like 2 years
the shop did it in one day , it was worth the $$$
good luck
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw Mi
I ordered the Mcleod adjustable from summit, cause it was the only one in stock and it looks like it adjusts the longest. I don't know how much longer it needs to be but I'm thinking an inch should do it. Actually it better do it cause Im not gonna do this again. Gonna crawl under today and start rippin her apart AGAIN. 
