Anyone have any tricks for removing and installing a clutch fork without removing the transmission? Also, can a Lakewood adjustable pivot ball be adjusted with everything installed? Theoretically, that seems the way to do it, but I can't see how to get at the locking nut.
I've never seen a clutch fork installed that way before...gotta make sure the throw out bearing is installed correctly on the fork end. As far as the pivot ball...I*think*the correct way to do it is to lay a straight edge across the front of the bell and measure to the top of the pivot ball. The OEM dimension evades me right now...all I remember at the moment is that Lakewood bells are made about .100" deeper than an OEM bell...meaning you'll just adjust it out to the max, but if you're running a block plate, you need to factor that thickness into the equation...soooooo with that said .100" deeper + .120" block plate, you would actually need a pivot ball that can adjust up to .220". Remember this, since the clutch fork pivots almost at a 2:1 ratio, that .220" will be a double loss (.440") at the pedal. That .440" can create a lot of headaches with the clutch not releasing completely or not being able to disengage it fully. It's a crap shoot since there isn't really a pivot ball that will adjust out to that dimension...next best thing is to get a GM truck pivot ball that is .300" taller than the oem one.
Thanks for the info. I am actually using the pivot in a BOP bellhousing. I wonder what the spec for that housing would be? As for the fork, I really don't want to take the tranny out AGAIN if at all possible. That's why I'm hoping for some "tricks". :Brow:
Oh...my bad!!! I made the wrong presumption of using a Lakewood bell...I need to measure mine just to see what I'm working with. If I can find a clutch fork laying around, I'll see if the hole is big enough to maneuver the fork through there.
There's no way to remove the fork without removing the gearbox. In order for it to unclip itself from the pivot ball, it need to be pushed in toward the bellhousing. So, naturally, the input shaft is in the way. The trans need to come out enough for the fork to clear. Just slide it back on a floor jack