Long story, but I’ll try to keep it short. I have been dealing with clutch judder in the truck ever since day one after the restoration….so, for years. Truck wasn’t running before I bought it, so I have no idea what is was doing prior to me taking it apart. Overhauled T5 installed with spacer plate. I really want to get this last problem sorted out on my truck, as it is such a pleasure to drive otherwise.
Did all the Dial indicator checks, then replaced: Pilot bushing, clutch disc, pressure plate throw out bearing, re-shimmed input shaft bearing, pivot ball, resurfaced flywheel (again). Nothing has helped. Once the truck is warmed up, 1st gear takeoffs are a bummer. I was very, very careful last time not to stab the disc during installation, so I know it isn’t that.
The Old guy at the clutch manufacturing company looked at everything I brought him- flywheel, plate, cover, throw out bearing. He said that I should look at the clutch fork. he built me a new disc with marcel springs that have a slightly deeper bend,, but I haven’t re-installed the clutch and trans yet.
Well, I did look at the clutch fork and when the clutch pedal is pushed in the fork moves forward and contacts the throw out bearing sleeve with only one fork pin…. The pins on the fork are only slightly worn, but are evenly worn.
If this condition can cause the clutch to engage unevenly, then I may have found the culprit…trouble is, the fork looks perfectly straight to me. Could the ball socket in the fork be worn off to one side?
I ordered another used one on eBay, as 1950 Chevy truck clutch forks have become as rare as hens teeth- at least I can compare it to mine, to see of it does the same thing…
How would you fix mine? Heat it up and bend it until it engages evenly when it is installed in the truck? Once the fork pins engage evenly, should I dress them so that they are more round again?
Any help appreciated…. Thanks, Dave
