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

Clutch, transmission, rear axle

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

Post by robroy »

Good evening!

I spent today putting together the clutch linkage on #50, and finally got it to work. I got to feel the clutch work for the first time ever! It's a Centerforce "Dual Friction" clutch, and it feels really excellent.

The only issue I'm having is that the clutch release rod doesn't seem to be long enough. Even when it's adjusted to its maximum length, the clutch pedal free play is excessive and engagement doesn't happen 'til the very end. Here's a Fordification photo that shows the clutch release rod I'm talking about:

Image

What could be causing this? Could it be that the surface of the Centerforce pressure plate is closer to the flywheel than the stock pressure plate? And are longer clutch rods made that could fix this issue? I think I only need about 1" more.

Thanks very much!!!
Robroy
Last edited by robroy on Tue Sep 01, 2009 1:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: What does it mean if my clutch release rod is too short?

Post by Bullitt390 »

Weld in a section onto the end of the rod. There are a few posts around here talking about that, very common problem even with OEM style clutch parts.

Josh
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Re: What does it mean if my clutch release rod is too short?

Post by robroy »

Hi Josh! Thanks very much for replying!

I'll search for previous posts about this; it's great to know that it's a common problem, and that my truck's not mysteriously "off."

Thanks Josh!
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Re: What does it mean if my clutch release rod is too short?

Post by fordman »

you are probably using your old original rod. so i cant say anything about it. but i have seen shorter and longer rods for 6 cyl engines vs fe engines. the 6cyl one is also smaller around. on the end near the fork.
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Re: What does it mean if my clutch release rod is too short?

Post by robroy »

Hi Fordman, thanks for replying!

I've surveyed previous posts and discovered, just like Josh said, that this issue has come up time and time again.

It sounds like some folks modify their existing rods, but your suggestion of looking for a rod that's longer seems easier (if I can find one).

Also, I see this photo in the NPD catalog:

Image

It looks like the universal, replacement push rod might be longer than the original Ford one! I'm using the original one now.

I'll call NPD on Monday and ask if it's truly longer, or if it only appears longer in the photo.

Thanks Fordman!
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Re: What does it mean if my clutch release rod is too short?

Post by robroy »

I just called NPD, and the universal replacement (part F-7521-8) isn't available anymore! Bummer. Next I'll try the local Napa to see if they can match up something for another vehicle.

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Re: What does it mean if my clutch release rod is too short?

Post by Bullitt390 »

Are you wanting a factory looking, correct piece? I am of the type that values TIME as much as money.

If I came across this issue I would just weld it, a quick zap and a 1" chunk of bar stock would be less $10 at a welding shop if you don't have a welder.

If you do, just cut off a chunk of grade 8 bolt and weld it on. It will at least make your truck driveable until you find a nicer replacement.

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Re: What does it mean if my clutch release rod is too short?

Post by robroy »

Hey Josh, thanks for replying!
Bullitt390 wrote:Are you wanting a factory looking, correct piece?
Nope! Anything that's strong and reliable will work fine.
I am of the type that values TIME as much as money.
Amen Bro!
If I came across this issue I would just weld it, a quick zap and a 1" chunk of bar stock would be less $10 at a welding shop if you don't have a welder.

If you do, just cut off a chunk of grade 8 bolt and weld it on. It will at least make your truck driveable until you find a nicer replacement.
This may be the best option! I'll find a local shop to do this welding if the NAPA part doesn't turn out to work.

NAPA ordered a part for me that looks just like the Ford part, only longer. Hopefully it'll do the trick. It's part number 615-1116:

Image

Thanks again Josh!
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Re: What does it mean if my clutch release rod is too short?

Post by Bullitt390 »

That does look trick, looks like NPD one as well!

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Re: What does it mean if my clutch release rod is too short?

Post by robroy »

Indeed! It should come in this coming Tuesday, so I'll post again then with the details.

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Re: What does it mean if my clutch release rod is too short?

Post by robroy »

NAPA part 615-1116 arrived and seems perfect!

Image

Here's the original Ford piece (this was a NOS item from NPD):

Image

And here's NAPA 615-1116:

Image

This part was $14.99 and, unfortunately, is made in Taiwan. But since this part seems to be about like Bigfoot (hard to find), I am not complaining!

I'll assemble the linkage again with this part and post with the results; I have high hopes for this!

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

Post by robroy »

This NAPA part worked PERFECTLY. I'll post photos of the complete assembly later on.

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

Post by fordman »

in the movie tango and cahs. one of them said why is my gun smaller than yours. and the other one said genetics. :lol:
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Re: Short clutch release rod: how can I find/make a longer one?

Post by Alvin in AZ »

Don't know how I missed this thread back when. LOL :)
Just got referred to it from another thread.
Anyway there were guys calling the part a Crayon, so that's what I called the picture...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/crayon.jpg

That's a motorcycle engine wrist-pin welded to the "crayon".
I put a 3/8" stainless steel bolt inside of it while welding to keep it straight.
That was the second attempt, the first one was too crooked and had to cut
it apart and start over because I didn't have the stainless steel bolt in it. LOL :)

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

Post by Dragon »

I welded a long bushing on the pointed end were the threaded rod goes in and run two nuts up the threaded end to make mine longer. The bushing made mine 2 inches longer.
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