Clutch problem with my 68

[towtruckerfour]

Hey guys. I need some help with my 68. I got the 352 in and running ok so far. As far as I know the clutch and all that was in good shape. I put in a new throwout bearing and pilot bearing, sanded the flywheel a little to clean it up. The problem I'm having is I've adjusted the clutch rod to pretty much both ends and the clutch doesn't work. I 'm pretty sure I have it in 2wd so it should move when I operate the clutch but nope. I'm new to 4x4s but this didn't seem to be any different than my 70 F100 except having a transfer case. Any ideas on what I'm missing? Thanks for any help.

[fordman]

maybe the transfer case is in neutral. shift it back and forth and try it in all modes.

[Caseys71]

I'm with Fordman. The transfer case should be in 2-HI for regular street driving, I'd start there. If that's not it you could have a problem with the clutch linkage somewhere.

[towtruckerfour]

I've been messing with this thing and still no luck. I can shift it thru the gears with the motor off but not when it is running. When you try to shift, it grinds like it is just making contact but won't go in. I had one of the guys from work stop by to give me his opinion on it. He thinks I have the clutch disc in backwards and thats why I can't get it to shift. He said he had the same problem on a vehicle he had done and after turning it around, no problems. So I guess tomorrows entertainment is pulling the tranny to try that and making sure everything else looks good.

[cajuncannon03]

I had the same problem, mine is not 4x4. The clutch plate needs to slide on input shaft all the way to throw-out bearing neck. My input shaft had sat up for 20 years while I had auto tranny, so shaft had build up of rust/residue. I only cleaned 2" on shaft, not allowing clutch plate to slide back far enough. Must be clean and move freely.

[robroy]

Good evening Troy!

It seems like this probably isn't causing the problem, yet I thought you may be curious to glance at it:

Short clutch release rod: how can I find/make a longer one?

After putting #50 back together, I'd made enough changes (mostly the Autofab engine and transmission mounts), that the stock clutch pushrod was no longer long enough to fully disengage the clutch. Thankfully, I found NAPA part number 615-1116, which is the longer pushrod described (and pictured) in the thread.

This said, I have no idea whether 4x4 Bumpsides even use the same clutch linkage, so this may be completely inapplicable.

Robroy

[eggman918]

I am almost positive that they use the same linkage.If you need a linkage setup pm me I have put a cummins 4BT in the beast and no longer need mine.
Steve.

[towtruckerfour]

Hey guys. Pulled the tranny and the clutch appears fine and the disc appears to only fit in one way. I'll clean it all up and put it back together

Robroy. That looks like what I may need so I will try my napa and see if they have it or can get it. It just seems like I need that extra bit for adjustment for it to work like you did. Thanks for the link.

[robroy]

Hello Troy, you're welcome!

The Salinas NAPA had to order it from a warehouse in Fresno, so it might not be something that they typically stock. I hope it works out for you! It seems like this is a pretty common issue, for whatever reason.

Robroy

[towtruckerfour]

I got the tranny back in the truck. I also was able to get the longer clutch adjustment rod from a Napa in Boise. I just need to finish up a couple things tomorrow and see if everything works including being able to shift. I can't wait to drive this truck.

[towtruckerfour]

The truck is back together and I was able to shift and drive it around the block. It doesn't sound quite right but it works. Thanks Robroy for the link to that part and everyone else for their help. This place is just amazing when you need help.

[robroy]

Good evening Troy,

I'm glad to hear that your truck's running (and shifting) again! Hopefully the sound you're hearing will be easily remedied.

Robroy