Okay, I installed my engine/transmission in my '65 GTO over the winter. I had problems with the clutch linkage I never recalled having when I put the car together nearly 15 years ago. Maybe I forgot how to assemble the clutch linkage.
My problem started with a rock hard clutch pedal. I had no lash in the pedal and the car shuttered because the clutch was hanging up.
Found that the release bearing had partially tilted on the fork. One of the ears on the fork was above where the bearing clips over the ears on the fork. It could have come undone while installing the gear box. It didn't go in very easily.
So after not having any success adjusting the clutch, and discovering the release bearing was not on correctly, I took the transmission and bell housing back out. I replaced the bearing and got it put back together. The transmission even went in easier than the last time, so the release bearing remained properly on the fork during the gear box install.
Now while I attempted to install the clutch linkage the push rod does not want to fit between the countershaft and the dimple in the fork. I ran the screw all the way in the rod and it still won't fit. I disconnected the pedal rod from the top of the countershaft, but doing that just makes it to where I'm unable to put the clutch pedal rod back on the countershaft. It's as if the push rod is a hair too long.
Is there a specific sequence to assemble the clutch linkage? I dread the prospect of pulling this all back apart. One other thought is to loosen the countershaft on the ball studs so it can be moved a little while putting the linkage together.
I don't recall having this problem 15 years ago when I put it together the first time and I wouldn't think the push rod should have to be run in to it's shortest length to get it to fit between the countershaft and the fork.
My problem started with a rock hard clutch pedal. I had no lash in the pedal and the car shuttered because the clutch was hanging up.
Found that the release bearing had partially tilted on the fork. One of the ears on the fork was above where the bearing clips over the ears on the fork. It could have come undone while installing the gear box. It didn't go in very easily.
So after not having any success adjusting the clutch, and discovering the release bearing was not on correctly, I took the transmission and bell housing back out. I replaced the bearing and got it put back together. The transmission even went in easier than the last time, so the release bearing remained properly on the fork during the gear box install.
Now while I attempted to install the clutch linkage the push rod does not want to fit between the countershaft and the dimple in the fork. I ran the screw all the way in the rod and it still won't fit. I disconnected the pedal rod from the top of the countershaft, but doing that just makes it to where I'm unable to put the clutch pedal rod back on the countershaft. It's as if the push rod is a hair too long.
Is there a specific sequence to assemble the clutch linkage? I dread the prospect of pulling this all back apart. One other thought is to loosen the countershaft on the ball studs so it can be moved a little while putting the linkage together.
I don't recall having this problem 15 years ago when I put it together the first time and I wouldn't think the push rod should have to be run in to it's shortest length to get it to fit between the countershaft and the fork.