clutch linkage binding?

[beekppr]

When I bought my R/T, the engine had already been redone and a new clutch installed.

I noticed though that when I let the pedel out, at the very top end of the throw at the top, there is an odd pop feel as though the linkage had some type of bind and freed itself. It only happens at the very last part of the movement, otherwise it feels smooth. Since the rubber bumper was missing, it also had a clang type sound as the pedel hit the end of the movement. I thought maybe the pedel is going 1/2 inch further than it should and installing the bumper will cure it. I found the bumper is so thin, it made no real difference other than to stop the clang sound.

I checked everything in and out of the car but it looks normal.

Someone told me this is typical of this car's design but that seems hard to believe.

At some point before the blaster, I plan to remove the entire kframe assembly with drivetrain as one unit. I was hoping to have some ideas by then so when it is out, I can inspect it while it's still all together.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[dodj]

Is it possible you have an incorrect clutch fork?

[beekppr]

Anything is possible. This is my first Mopar stick shift and since someone else did the work, who knows.

I know for sure that the guy who did the work has a very good reputation in my area.

I also know that the car suffered a pretty healthy front end impact sometime in the past. The front clip was straightened a little and new fenders/radiator support/hood were put on. I recently took the fenders and front end off so I could have the frame checked out. I can tell there is some minor tweak to the frame rails which need to be straightened before I do anything else. This is all on another thread.

The only thing I can think of is that if the kframe, engine, tranny, etc are all slightly out of alignment, maybe the linage can't adapt to the slightly different position. Were talking about 1/2 I'm guessing. Maybe less.

When the frame is straight, I will be taking out the kframe assembly with suspension and tranny so I will chk the fork then.

I guess I was wondering if this is not so unusual as others have suggested.

[72rtchallenger]

When I bought my R/T, the engine had already been redone and a new clutch installed.



Someone told me this is typical of this car's design but that seems hard to believe.

most ebodys have that ,,,mine does..

[beekppr]

Good to know then. It just feels odd. Sort of like the linkage is being hyperextended

[dodj]

Mine is smooth all the way through. 

[72rtchallenger]

Mine is smooth all the way through. 

mine is smooth ,,its just the end were it comes all the way up there has always been about 1/2" or less that is free,,,it comes up higher than the brake pedal,,and if i push it down to the height of the brake pedal ,,that is were it starts engaging,,and i cannot adjust it out,,its just a free spot,,posted a question way back on this and several people on here told me theres was the same way,,and my clutch and brake pedal assembly has been rebuilt but still is the same,,so i assume this is normal

[beekppr]

You gotta admit it is a strange feeling when it happens the first time.

If I were buying the car new in 1970, I'd be wondering why it happens when the other models don't. Maybe people didn't care back then?

If it is normal, then so be it but when I have everything blown apart, I am going to see if I can't engineer the cure somehow. It doesn't look overly complex.

[dodj]

mine is smooth ,,its just the end were it comes all the way up there has always been about 1/2" or less that is free,,,it comes up higher than the brake pedal,,and if i push it down to the height of the brake pedal ,,that is were it starts engaging,,and i cannot adjust it out,,its just a free spot,,posted a question way back on this and several people on here told me theres was the same way,,and my clutch and brake pedal assembly has been rebuilt but still is the same,,so i assume this is normal

Yah ok, that is the same way mine is. I went and re-read the original post. I was thinking beekppr had a binding issue with a 'pop' at the end of the pedal movement. I see now he was describing the 'free play' at the top of the pedal travel. I threaded the clutch rod a little further than original to get that 'free' movement to a minimum. Didn't get rid of it entirely though.

[beekppr]

Yeah I called it binding for lack of a better term. What is does though is pop up at the last 1/2 inch which is unlike every stick car I have ever driven

[Chryco Psycho]

I hate that feel , they probably installed a diaphragm clutch instead of the Borg & Beck original design , the B&B is smooth , the diaphragm pops as it is engaged & goes over center , it is just an unfortunate trait of the diaphragm clutches

[72rtchallenger]

i have been thinking about adding an extra thickness to the rubber stop to keep the pedal closer to level with the brake pedal and stop the free travel

[beekppr]

Yeah, I thought about a spacer too. I'm just glad to know I don't have to live with it. I will look into switching it when I have it apart.

Does diaphram clutches also cause other odd characteristics?

Reason I ask is that I found the clutch doesn't bite the way I am used to. I can rev it up and dump it and it launches good. I can also leave it on a slope in gear and the clitch holds it but if I let it out normally at a stop light, it slows the engine but the car doesn't want to move very easily. It feels as though I am pulling alot of weight or driving with 44" tires and 2.76 gearing. Brakes are releasing though so not sure what's up with it.

[Cooter]

Unless it's one of them high pressure pressure plates, like Mcleod/Ram/Centerforce, I don't think there's much we can do in the holding force department..I got a simple Parts store 10.5, Diaphram clutch in the General Lee, and when I stand on it in high gear, it slips then the engine catches up to it..

The Borg and Beck "Three finger" clutch is ok I guess, as long as you got Superman to step on the clutch for you...

[Chryco Psycho]

putting a thicker bumper to lower the pedal may stop the pedal from over centering & continually ride on the release brg