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Topic: Clutch fork and ball stud issues

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components


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Clutch fork and ball stud issues (1/3)
 6/24/12 1:07am
daveo76
Former Member

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Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.


Joined: 8/25/2005
Posts: 857

Got the motor in (see previous post) and was all excited to install the bell and tranny.  Not so much...yet.  Two issues right now.

Issue 1: Fork ball stud.  I bought a new one at a parts store.  Only one P/N came up in the guy's search.  It's 1/8" longer (1 1/2") than the one I took out (1 3/8").  Doesn't sound too good, right?  These things are pretty important for proper clutch operation, I'd guess.  BUT, I think I could be OK with this one.  After some internet sleuthing I found that the standard measurement from the tip of the ball to the engine block mounting flange of the bell housing is 4.75" - which is almost exactly what the new one produces.  Also, Corvette Central's website leads me to a 1 1/2" stud, it says to use a different P/N (1 3/8") for '66 - '75.  (I have a '76).  Could the one in there have been incorrect?  Clutch worked OK before, but it was very hard to engage reverse sometimes, occasionally even had to shut off engine.  Maybe this new stud will allow a little more throw.  

Issue 2: One of the ends of the spring clip that secure the fork to the ball stud broke off.  



I'm assuming this will need to be replaced???  Also assuming that this is a catalog order and not something I can get from a local parts store?  Corvette Central has a replacement spring clip, but the old rivet would need to be drilled out and the new one riveted back in place?  I'm willing to do that if it would work.  ($7 vs. $60 or $70 for a whole new fork).  Thoughts?  Getting anxious to get all this stuff back together!!  Rear of engine is supported by a jack now, too.  


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1976 Silver/Firethorn.  L48, 4spd.  Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
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Re: Clutch fork and ball stud issues (2/3)
 6/24/12 10:10am
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

The clutch pivot ball is critical...it needs to be the correct length, or you will have engagement issues. The pivot ball, and the fork, are designed to work together, geometrically. Changing one will effect the other. It's possible your reverse engagement problem was a simple adjustment, or the clutch itself dragging, or a problem with the pilot bushing. IF the pivot ball was causing a problem with not dis-engaging the clutch completely for reverse, it would also effect the forward gears, making the up/downshifts a little tougher than "normal". If you had previously tried adjusting the clutch linkage, and had no success, then maybe the pivot ball was incorrect, and you need the longer pivot ball.

As far as the spring clip on the fork, you can certainly get the replacement clip, grind/drill out the old rivet, and use a small bolt/nut to re-attach the new clip. Just be sure that the bolt/nut you use does not stick out too far on the clutch side, and use a small amount of Loc-Tite on it.


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Joel Adams
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Re: Clutch fork and ball stud issues (3/3)
 6/24/12 12:24pm
daveo76
Former Member

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Vancouver, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.


Joined: 8/25/2005
Posts: 857

Thanks, Joel.  Is there any way to measure or test to be sure I have the correct ball stud, before I put everything back together?  If I were to try to match the stud that I took out I think I'd have to order one from an older car.  

______________

 

1976 Silver/Firethorn.  L48, 4spd.  Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
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