Centerforce Dual Friction installation question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh NC
Centerforce Dual Friction installation question
My motor is going back in this week. Well, it was until mechanic decided that I should go ahead and change the clutch fork and boot. I wish he would have told me that before now as I have placed multiple orders from parts vendors in the last few months. So everything is on hold until the package arrives from Zips.
One thing he did mention, however, is that the directions included with the Lakewood adjustable pivot ball say that the pivot ball is NOT to be used with stock bellhousings, only aftermarket bellhousings. He says what I have is going to work fine WITHOUT the Lakewood adjustable pivot ball.
That does not make sense to me as everyone on the Forum has encouraged me to get the adjustable pivot ball. Does anyone know why it would say this? I have not seen the directions, but I have no reason to think that he is misleading me.
Thanks.
One thing he did mention, however, is that the directions included with the Lakewood adjustable pivot ball say that the pivot ball is NOT to be used with stock bellhousings, only aftermarket bellhousings. He says what I have is going to work fine WITHOUT the Lakewood adjustable pivot ball.
That does not make sense to me as everyone on the Forum has encouraged me to get the adjustable pivot ball. Does anyone know why it would say this? I have not seen the directions, but I have no reason to think that he is misleading me.
Thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,382
Likes: 6,401
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Re: Centerforce Dual Friction installation question (hudman)
The CCC (Colorado Corvette Crazies - the Ultimate Corvette Tuning and Beer Drinking Fraternity) has installed several of the DF clutch systems. We are using the adjustable pivot ball in all of our installations in order to get proper adjustment range out of the stock linkage. The adjustable ball, used in the stock housing, needs to be raised about 1/8" taller than the stock ball. We're using the Mr. Gasket adjustable *****.
On the systems where we have NOT installed the adjustable ball, we have had to lengthen the lower clutch rod by about 1.75" in order to get the rod into the mid-point of its adjustment. We've come up with a way to weld in an extension into the stock rod, making it look completely stock after the extension is welded in. But this is a lot more work than installing the ball...
On the systems where we have NOT installed the adjustable ball, we have had to lengthen the lower clutch rod by about 1.75" in order to get the rod into the mid-point of its adjustment. We've come up with a way to weld in an extension into the stock rod, making it look completely stock after the extension is welded in. But this is a lot more work than installing the ball...
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 0
From: Germantown Maryland
Re: Centerforce Dual Friction installation question (hudman)
Bascially he is wrong... This has been done many times here , including mine... The standard ball is too short.. Need the Adjustment to lengthen it some... Also use LOCKTITE after adjustment is correct... It will move..
My engine installer made the same mistake...
My engine installer made the same mistake...
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,125
Likes: 9
From: Crescent City, CA
Re: Centerforce Dual Friction installation question (Clink69)
:iagree: I have the stock bellhousing and had to use the adjustable ball.
Only took the trans out 4 times to figure it out. duh :crazy:
Terry
Only took the trans out 4 times to figure it out. duh :crazy:
Terry
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Re: Centerforce Dual Friction installation question (lars)
On the systems where we have NOT installed the adjustable ball, we have had to lengthen the lower clutch rod by about 1.75" in order to get the rod into the mid-point of its adjustment. We've come up with a way to weld in an extension into the stock rod, making it look completely stock after the extension is welded in. But this is a lot more work than installing the ball...
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Re: Centerforce Dual Friction installation question (hudman)
I upgraded to a DF clutch. I read all the material and discovered that if I kept the throw-out bearing stock, then I could use my original clutch fork and ball stud. I was right, it worked fine; however, I am now at the point where the clutch disk is worn and needs to be replaced. Usually, the symptoms are slippage when letting out the clutch...I don't have much slippage, my symptom is that the clutch was not fully engaging, thus causing the gears to be hard to shift. Upon inspection I found that there was just enough adjustment in the clutch lever to allow the clutch to engage; but, now I AM getting slippage because letting out the clutch pedal brings the throw-out bearing into contact with the rear of the bell housing...thus causing wear in the bell housing...bad..bad...just plain bad.
So, keep in mind that if you DO use the CF throw-out bearing then be sure to replace the fork with a CF fork and ball with adjustable ball. Or, keep everything stock, but keep in mind that when the clutch will only engage at about 1/2 off the floor then it's time to replace the clutch disk and not the time to adjust it, otherwise there will be some unwanted wear in the bell housing.
So, keep in mind that if you DO use the CF throw-out bearing then be sure to replace the fork with a CF fork and ball with adjustable ball. Or, keep everything stock, but keep in mind that when the clutch will only engage at about 1/2 off the floor then it's time to replace the clutch disk and not the time to adjust it, otherwise there will be some unwanted wear in the bell housing.