Linkage help

[Turbogus]

As you can see by the photos my motor graciously keeps the assembly well lubed below the tub. (I've since cleaned this up).

 

[jp360cj]

As you can see by the photos my motor graciously keeps the assembly well lubed below the tub. (I've since cleaned this up).

Wasn't that a standard feature on CJs?


I was in a hurry getting the clutch linkage in yesterday and didn't get any picture, but the Crown bushing and boots went on pretty easy and the Rugged Ridge linkage kit was a pretty easy install too. From the instruction and the way the kit came, it doesn't appear RR intended it to replace the factory ball joint link on the clutch fork side of the bell crank. But it came with 4 heim joints (3 males and 1 female) and the female was the same thread and the factory adjuster, so I used that on the clutch side. Overall I'm pleased with it. It's a much more positive feel to the clutch. I've already replaced the entire clutch linkage with a Crown or Omix replacement kit probably 7 or 8 years ago and the rod was already showing signs of wear.

 

[Idahododgeram]

It looks like my linkage issue was lift related. I have a 1" tranny/Transfer Case drop that caused the bell crank to be out of whack. I moved the pivot that mounts to the bellhousing up and it seems to be better. Also, when my Crown bushing came apart the C clip was AWOL. I found a stiff wire that was slightly larger than the slot the clip goes into and drove it in on both sides. Should work for now. I have 2 extra sets of bushings ordered as back up's.

 

[Jslampe]

Follow up to original question. (I need to do this more!)

Could not get it off myself. The bolts on the Pivot Bracket had friction welded themselves into the bracket's coutnerpart (on the driver side of the Firewall). Unfortunately, that bracket had been spot-welded into place. It wasn't pretty but I hired a welder off craigslist to swing by. He got it off an patched up the collateral damage in the area.

Moral of the story: take off your fender, remove the windshield and radiator fluids, remove the EVA and get the clearance needed to get those bolts out the right way (i.e. an Extractor). Don't do what I did and do so much damage to that inner bracket that it needs to come off.

I'm on to a new problem with the story. If you want to help out there, feel free!
https://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f2/clutch-linkage-release-rod-adjuster-problems-29487/#post255594