After a small body lift, two clutch related questions

[Hedgehog]

I was forced to do a small body lift on my Jeep (about 5/8") to make things align properly. Which created a clutch issue. I have a mechanical clutch on my Jeep where the bell crank is on the frame. Naturally with the lift the clutch rod from the pedal to the crank is now to short to properly adjust the clutch action. I beleive I have an idea on how to lengthen the rod, but knowing the variety of methods possible I thought it would be good to throw the question up on the board.

- So, what method would you use to lengthen the clutch rod?

- This almost embarasses me to ask. How do you adjust the rod as it relates to the bell crank? Right now my clutch is almost impossible to operate correctly with all the clutch engagement coming at the VERY top of the pedal. I need to find a way to lengthen the engagement length and move it further down the pedal throw.

 

[Barry2]

In an open section of that rod I would cut it in half, add a 5/8 to 11/16ths piece and weld it up being careful to keep the ends oriented properly.

Or you could cut out the piece and weld a splint to it. Watch to be sure the throwout bearing doesn't touch the clutch fingers while at rest or it wont last long, don't ask me how I know this.

 

[mstar]

Hedge, my memory about the clutch linkage on my long gone '73 is also long gone.That being said how about a couple of Heim joints(rod ends) . Finding a hardened rod may be a challenge. Would drill rod work? Can you make the rod oversized from stock diameter.Just throwing out a couple ideas. Have a good one. mike s.

 

[Hedgehog]

The '75 already has joints on both ends and some adjustment is available there, but it's on the ragged edge of enough thread to be stable.

I have considered welding. One idea was to drop by my local Jeep guys Junk pile and finding a rod. Then cut my rod and cut the new one with enough length to make up for the lift height. Naturally the pieces need to be oriented correctly for the welds.

So Okay here's my idea, well it's not really all my idea. first cut the rod in an area where it's clear of the body and any other object it might touch. Then thread both ends a ffew inches, say 2" or 3". Using a nut coupler and lock nuts to put the rod together, making an adjusable length rod. Actually one side could be threaded on and welded so only one side is adjustable. This would make is so the rod could be adjust a little longer or if the lift is removed restored to factory length.

 

[harleydragon]

yeah,a coupling nut or even 2 coupling nuts welded together

 

[Hedgehog]

True, coupling nuts don't get longer with bigger thread diameter.

I do worry about how hard the rod might be. Long ago I had a '80 CJ5 that I put a 231 V6 in front of a T-18 truck Transmission . At that time I couldn't find a conversion for my hydrolic clutch so a manual clutch was installed. I got the linkage and bell housing at a junk yard. The linkage didn't have any bearing type joints so the rod eyes were terribly warn. So, a trip to a place that sold Heim joints and all parts were in hand. I drilled out all the egg shaped holes, cut the hook ends and threaded the rod. That SOB was HARD, but it took the thread and the finished clutch. When done it was a GREAT clutch.