The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Hydro Clutch?

'53 3800 Flatbed DRW

I am about to purchase a '70 250 to swap for my 216. Keeping the stock SM420. Will be getting the cast iron truck bellhousing.

The question is, will this combo lend itself to reusing the stock (or modified) clutch linkage or should I be looking into hooking up a hydraulic clutch setup. Would rather stick with the stock pedal arrangement.

Larry W.

I haven't done that swap... my opinion,
You should be able to keep the stock linkage. Unless the bellhousing you get has only a right side clutch fork opening for a hydraulic clutch (I think they had such a thing?)... in which case swap for a more suitable bellhousing with manual linkage on the left side.

Grigg,

Thanks, didn't think of that, but funny thing is I did just read something today about some early 60's having that. I will make sure I get one with the fork opening on the driver side. Going by an article by someone??? and it listed specific bellhousing numbers. Still trying to find a '54 or early 55 crossmember though.

The question came up because I know you have to tuck the 250 close to the firewall. Wasn't sure if that would throw the linkage too far out.

Actually, after I posted it, I wondered if I should have put it in Driveline, but I was trying to stay specific to the one tons. When the 3100 guys chime in, you start wondering if the same advice applies to your truck, ya know?

Larry W.

This discussion would apply to any size Chevy trucks in the year range, and GMC's of similar sizes.

Grigg,

Ok, cool. I knew there were differences in frame widths in areas of the trucks. Didn't know if that extended to the area of the pedals. Good to know.

Larry W.

I did that swap with a 292 and used the stock pedals and linkages.

Good to hear.

BTW, did you end up moving the trans back or the radiator forward, or both.

Thanks.