And what do I do about it?

1983 F-150, 300 with the "top-loader" 4-speed OD transmission. There's a pivot shaft that screws into a threaded hole on the left side of the tranny case, and the clutch linkage pivots around it, in order to push the fork and disengage the clutch. One end has a nylon bushing on the outside, which fits inside a hollow tube that constitutes the pivot axis between the part being pulled from the pedal and the pushrod that pushes the fork. The other end is threaded, and threads into the tranny. In the middle is a hex head for installing with a spanner.

The darn thing broke off, leaving the threaded part in the in the tranny case, flush! Of course, without a fixed pivot axis, when you mash the clutch pedal, it does nothing to the fork. Had to get it towed it home; it "lurch-started" just fine, but try as I might, I just couldn't power-shift first to second.

And I'll bet a nickel that the part is not available at the dealer. We broke the shift lever rod off a year or so ago, and had to have it welded, since the dealer discontinued it and we couldn't find one at a boneyard. So I'm afraid I'll be in the same boat with this part.

So.... I know the only way to get the broken-off threaded section is with an extractor (easy-out). But what do I do to replace the part??!?!? One saving grace is that the part is pretty small, so if I find one elsewhere in the country, I could have it shipped cheap. But I'm wondering about possibly fabricating a replacement part from some specialty bolt.

Ideas? Suggestions? Condolences? First, does anybody know what this part is called, so I can call the dealer and not have to tell the whole saga just to identify the part?

I've created a wee web page, describing the problem, and have a couple of photos of the part itself. When the sun rises on this part of the planet, I'll slither under and photograph the place on the tranny where it came from, and the affected linkage, and add them to the page. It's at http://userpages.chorus.net/ptoleary/clutchpivot/.

 

I can't say for sure what Ford's official name for that piece is, but I would identify it as a 'clutch bellcrank pivot.' Hope that helps in your search.

 

Yes, that's just the kind of buzzword that I needed! That will indeed expedite the search. Could this by the slightest chance be something available aftermarket? As a Motormite "Help" product, or the like, perchance?

 

Haven't see it in the aftermarket but then I haven't needed one either.

My guess would be the best bet would be a salvage yard or Ford dealer. I know that's not much help.

I guess it would be a big hassle to convert it to hydraulic. (?)

 

Madpogue,

GOOD LUCK. I have a similar problem with my '83 (also the 300 but I have the 4spd / OD). I have found that the Ford name for that bellcrank is an Equalizer Bar. On mine, the bushings are toast... one is GONE. Went to the Ford dealer and they said those bushings are an OBSOLETE PART (GRRRR). But there is hope.... Jeff's Bronco Graveyard has the bushings, and the equalizer bar, and I just checked and I THINK they may have your broken pivot ball/stud? If I am right.... they're calling it a Motor Bracket (300, 302-351, and that puppy is $55- ouch). But if my memory is right, without running out in the snow to look at my tranny, I would have sworn that your broken part screws right into the tranny. (I don't remember a bracket). You may want to have a look around broncograveyard.com and check this out. Wish I could help you out but all I have been able to find in the junkyard as of yet are hydraulic set-ups.

Sorry I am no help as far as removing that nasty flush-broken stud.... but if it was me I think I would try heat (torch) and some PB Blaster before going for it. Maybe even a couple cycles (heat / cool / lots of patience) to hopefully allow some of the stuff to work it's way in.

 

Got my curiousity up and went out to look at my '83 F150. Looks like that pivot is screwed into a mount on the back of the engine block, not the trans, at least on mine. No "motor bracket" at all. I think I'm gonna shut up now 'cause I think I am confusing things more than actually helping at all..... other than to say that I had thought that both broncograveyard and lmc had these parts. Of course a couple bucks or a freebie at the local junkyard (or postage if someone has one just gathering dust) would be even better. Hopefully someone out there can help you.

 

Thanks Adam, you didn't have to go out in the snow like that! Yeah, mine's the OD also. And you got my curiosity up, so I looked again at mine (it's sunny and 32F here), and sure 'nuff, that stud's broken off in the block, just in front of the tranny.

And indeed, it's an obsolete part. The national database showed that a dealer in Sioux City had one, but he checked and it's not there. Darn few boneyards around here that have vehicles of this vintage.

I checked broncograveyard, and yeah, the part they have called the "motor bracket" is the equivalent part that I need. But on these engines, it isn't a separate bracket; it's just a stud that goes right into the block. Brilliant design, eh? Oh, man, this is gonna be a treasure hunt!

So what's "lmc"?

Edit: Hey, what do folks think, if I have to totally drop back and punt, of just welding the original part right back into place?

Again, thanks!

 

Update: I've updated the page I created, with a pic from under the truck, and a diagram showing the elusive part. There's a place called Green Sales, in Ohio I believe, that appears to have one, but they're closed 'til Monday.

So, let's say Green Sales has the part. That leaves me the choice: order the part, and try to easy-out the old one, or get 'er towed to a welder and weld the bad-boy onto the block? Puzzle, puzzle...

 

Google "lmc truck".

 

Thanks, sr. Well, lmc has a listing for the part, but the online catalog only goes up to 1979; I wonder if it's the same part.

 

If my memory is correct, there is a "conversion" bracket available to allow the use of newer engines in older chasis... seeing as the newer engines don't have the boss for the ball to screw into. As far as where to get it, I'm at a loss. But, that's something to think about seeing as you then wouldn't have to remove the broken piece.

 

That sounds promising, hybred. But that begs the question, what would the bracket mount onto? Seems like there would need to be mounting holes on the block or the tranny. Hmmm. Boy, I wonder what I would use to do a search for such a part.

 

BTW, Adam, that bushing is available at lmcauto.com . Go to the '73-'79 pickup catalog, do a search on "release shaft bushing", and open page 91. Looks like each half-circle is $3.95, and it automatically orders two. No idea about shipping, though.

 

If I'm correct, it uses existing bell housing bolts... the ones that mount the bell housing to the block. Also, I do believe the part was available from that bronco graveyard place mentioned earlier.

 

Daves Bronco Graveyard... part number 21260... only one problem, it's for a 351m/400.... but it does give you an idea. Maybe if you call them and ask, they could help you better... or you could modify it to fit your application.