Clutch problems

[Cjscj]

Hi. I have a 1980 CJ7 . It has the AMC 304 with the T-176 4speed and Dana 300
I'm having trouble with the clutch. When I engage it sometimes it works fine but slow and sometimes it doesn't engage. And once it does engage and I'm driving the other gears seem to not engage all the way... It never grinds and I hear no odd noises.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

How much peddle free-play do you have?
Should be 1-1 1/4 inch. No more and no less.
How old is the clutch?
LG

 

[Cjscj]

Not sure how old the clutch is. Prob old. Peddle has about 1nch of play.

 

[Torxhead]

You might want to check out the clutch linkage operation also. Its not a very good design but it seems to work. There could be some worn, broken, or cracked parts on the linkage assembly. Another item that can cause poor clutch operation is the motor mounts being shot. Bad mounts will cause the motor to sag and can affect clutch linkage operation. As you drive it check for any clutch slipping.

 

[TexasBlues]

also look at the firewall... mine did that (when i 1st had it and knew less about jeeps) and i found that the area where the bellcrank attaches to the firewall was heavily rusted and flimsy as well as the bellcrank bushings being worn slam out

 

[Lumpy Grits]

100% agree-Ck the bellcrank for slop and play.
Is the bellcrank level from the fender to the engine?
LG

 

[Cjscj7]

Sorry my account messed up so started a new one... I checked all the linkage and all looks good and tight. Could it just be it needs a new clutch? Not sure what else it could be

 

[Torxhead]

From what I have seen, a tall tire and a stock gear ratio is really hard on a clutch. Or maybe it is just time for a new one.

 

[Cjscj7]

They are big tires. I'm pretty sure there stock gears to. I'm gonna put a new clutch in it this weekend. Hopefully goes well.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Don't go cheap here and make sure you change the throw-out and pilot bearings.