I just installed a freshly built 460 mated to a T-18. My problem is when I push the clutch pedal in and try to shift into any gear, I get grinding from the tranny and no engagement. My thinking is that the throwout bearing is not moving in far enough to disengage the pressure plate which I know can be adjusted by using the nuts on the threaded clutch rod. What I don't know and need some light shed on, is if I adjust the clutch rod to apply more pressure on the throwout bearing and in doing so get the travel I need to disengage the pressure plate, won't that keep the throwout bearing on the pressure plate fingers constantly and wear it out prematurely because it is spinning all the time? Also, the clutch would not be engaged 100%. How do I solve this? Thanks

 

First, check you firewall to make sure it's not cracked and flexing, soaking up travel in the system.

Check all pivots etc for slop that also soaks up travel.

Not sure where to send you after that, as if the geometry is right and there is no slop, if it won't disengage then you have to look at whether you have the right parts to start with--which would seem unlikely.

 

^^^ What he says 100%
However if you carry out all those checks and all is good and you then adjust the rod, provided that, after adjustment, you have some free play at the outer end of the throwout lever you are good to go.