Clutch Release Spring Conusion
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
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Clutch Release Spring Conusion
I have a 1966 F100 with 352 V8 and 3 Speed manual transmission.
I am installing new clutch release bellcrank components and along with the nylon bushings and etc, I also bought a new release spring. It is much shorter than the one I took off and am now confused where the one end of the spring attaches. I know that the one end attaches to the end of the clutch fork.
The spring that was on was almost 14 inches long with about 10 inches of that just a long straight arm. The new spring is about 4 inches long and is exactly like the old one except it does not have that 10 inch long arm. I would like to believe that the new spring is correct as many things about my truck were cobbled up by previous owners so I wouldn't be surprized if the 14 inch spring is wrong. So, can anyone tell me where the front of the spring hooks to? I don't see any obvious holes to hook it to.
Thanks
I am installing new clutch release bellcrank components and along with the nylon bushings and etc, I also bought a new release spring. It is much shorter than the one I took off and am now confused where the one end of the spring attaches. I know that the one end attaches to the end of the clutch fork.
The spring that was on was almost 14 inches long with about 10 inches of that just a long straight arm. The new spring is about 4 inches long and is exactly like the old one except it does not have that 10 inch long arm. I would like to believe that the new spring is correct as many things about my truck were cobbled up by previous owners so I wouldn't be surprized if the 14 inch spring is wrong. So, can anyone tell me where the front of the spring hooks to? I don't see any obvious holes to hook it to.
Thanks
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
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That would be "ConFusion"......and also..
Oh and also, how tight or loose do I make the bellcrank when I tighten down the two bolts on the frame. The holes in the bellcrank are slotted so I can go tight or loose against the engine. I assume I need some looseness to allow for engine movement, but how much is enough?
Thanks for any guidance.
Thanks for any guidance.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,813
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From: Connecticut
Just slide the braket with the slots over to the "Z" bar so there's almost no side to side play. Each end is supposed to have felt washers on them to keep the crap out of the bushings. Most don't have them. Look at the last 6 numbers of your vin. If before 830,001 you use a 4 inch spring with 35 coils. After 830,001, you use one that's 9 inches and also 35 coils. THe short one hooks to the fork and the arm on the Z bar where the adjuster rod goes. I believe the 9 inch goes to the bellhousing where there was a small braket bolted to one of the bolts at the same level. Later trucks, 67 and up used a 14 inch spring. My parts manual doesn't show exactly how that spring goes. Maybe someone can crawl under thier truck and see.
Barry
Barry
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Barry,
Thanks for the info. I replaced the felt washers too so I think I have it adjusted about like you suggest.
I really can't go by my VIN as this truck appears to be made up from several model years......probably 65 and 66. So with the 4 inch spring, the front hook attaches to the same stud that holds the front end of the adjustment rod? Does the spring hook take the place of the cotter pin that I now have retaining the adjusting rod? It looks to me that that might work. Does this sound about right? Is the purpose of the spring just to keep the adjusting rod end seated in the clutch fork?
Thanks
Mark
Thanks for the info. I replaced the felt washers too so I think I have it adjusted about like you suggest.
I really can't go by my VIN as this truck appears to be made up from several model years......probably 65 and 66. So with the 4 inch spring, the front hook attaches to the same stud that holds the front end of the adjustment rod? Does the spring hook take the place of the cotter pin that I now have retaining the adjusting rod? It looks to me that that might work. Does this sound about right? Is the purpose of the spring just to keep the adjusting rod end seated in the clutch fork?
Thanks
Mark
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Ruston, LA
Hi M'sburg,
I just did a clutch on my 66 352. The 4" spring is correct. It goes into a hole on the
steering gear just above the Pitman arm. It is easier if you put it in that hole first as the spring has to be kind of twisted around to get it in.
Good Luck! James Q
I just did a clutch on my 66 352. The 4" spring is correct. It goes into a hole on the
steering gear just above the Pitman arm. It is easier if you put it in that hole first as the spring has to be kind of twisted around to get it in.
Good Luck! James Q
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Freshman User
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I have replaced mt stock manual 1966 stering gearbox with a 1979 power steering system and tilt column. I guess that explains the missing hole for the 4" spring.
Thanks again.
Mechanicsburg
Thanks again.
Mechanicsburg
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,813
Likes: 6
From: Connecticut
Just make sure wherever you put that spring, you don't want it to be curved around any linkage as it will interfere and the spring can wear and break. In the ideal situation, the spring is in a straight line. With your new steering box, you can always make a frame mounted bracket for the spring to hook on to. That longer spring can still be used as long as you have enough tension there to keep the adjusting rod in place.
Barry
Barry