The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline When to replace the clutch and pressure plate on a Task force truck?

Hello All,
I have a 59 Apache 3200 with a 283, SM420 and original mechanical clutch. I did some searches but never came up with a good example of what I am experiencing with my clutch. This is my first vehicle with a clutch; I never really abused it though I used it to learn. I have tried to use it as sparingly as possible in city traffic. My truck may or may not have turned over but it is showing 22k (original pedals are very lightly worn). My truck has a very slack pedal it goes to the floor before I can change gears though I do hear it chatter almost as soon as I start pushing down on it. I know that 1st and reverse are not synchro-ed but I have to wait a few seconds before I can use them without any grinding. Some folks that heard about it said I might have a low clutch or require some adjustments. Also I am unable to down shift if I am already in a gear, I need to pull it out of gear make a stop then start off again. Would anyone be able to tell me if I need a replacement or if I need to get it adjusted?

Thanks in advance

I would go with adjustment first. Not sure if the atch adjustment applies. The free play is very important, could be as simple as that. http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1955truck2/55ctsm06r03.htm

You should have 1/2 to 1 in. freeplay at the pedal. If you have more then that you should adjust the linkage. That will probably take care of the hard shifting problem. If it cherps when you push down on the clutch then the throwout brg. is going bad.
You can remove the cover under the bell housing & look up to see how much lining is left on the disc. You can put a heavier grease in the trans. to make the gears stop sooner, like 90/140 gear oil. Also if you shift partly into 2nd or 3rd gear before you shift to 1st. or reverse it will stop the gears & allow you to shift without grinding.

Thanks gents, I will take off the inspection plate and check it out. If it isn't bad I'll try adjusting.
Forty9 thanks for the link lots of good stuff there.
Thanks Wrench I just put in fresh gear oil about 200 miles ago, feels a lot smoother now.

For anyone else reading:
Had to order from a manufacturer but luckily I found some GL4.
I found out that the SM420 has brass components and the salt in GL5 eats away at the brass. Don't believe the counter guy, GL5 is not better.