The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Clark 280 VO8 behind a small block in my 58 2-ton

I have a Clark 5 speed OD tranny (280 VO8) that I would like to put behind my small block in my 58 2-ton. In my research, it looks like I need an adapter ring like this http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p494/69B-Cuda/adapter%20ring.jpg
They supposedly came in bigger trucks like the C7000. They made both the steel and cast iron type. I think I also need a different flywheel or adapter and probably starter out of the same thing. Anyone have anything like that or some more info?
Here is a picture showing the front of the bellhousing (left) next to my stock bellhousing (right) http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p494/69B-Cuda/Clark%20trans_2.jpg

So, I'm going to ask a dumb question...won't the SAE bell housing come off of the tran so you can bolt it to the GM bell housing?

Mike B

It does not fit on the GM bell housing, only one of the bolt holes lines up. I could re-drill some holes but, if I recall, the input shaft is a different length. (this tranny is actually out of a Ford, so maybe it will not work at all?)

You would need to find the correct SAE bellhousing as well as the adapter ring for the engine- - - -that one has the starter position all wrong for a Chevy V8.
Jerry

Jerry, as you said, I am assuming I will need the bellhousing, adapter, starter, flywheel, basically, everything between the engine and tranny.

Hy 69Cuda, I may have what you're looking for... now if I can find it. Could you measure the bolt spacing for the transmission and let us know what that is please?

looks like it is 8 1/2" across and 4 3/4 top to bottom (top and bottom are the same, left and right sides are the same)

Those adapter rings(I have several) and their associated bellhousing were used to put a 14" clutch on a SBC. Search around in yards for them, don't ask, no-one will know what you are talking about. Look for small blocks in big trucks. I can getthecasting number off the bellhousing after some snow melts.

Ed

Thanks, Ed. What all do I need then, the proper adapter, bellhousing, flywheel, and starter to begin with? Any idea what years of trucks had them? I know where there is about a 58 or 59 School bus, maybe I need to look newer?

Light duty 5 speeds like the 280 series Clark were truck manufacturer specific. If it came out of a Ford, it will fit a Ford clutch housing. I would compare it to a SM420. If the clutch gear is longer on on the Clark, you can probably build an adapter. The 280 OD are very rare and hopefully you can make it fit.

if I can find the pieces to make it work, I'd love to put it in my truck. If not, I'll have to sell it to a Ford guy!

I would think we're than 58-59, however, just look in yards for more recent.

Ed

Ed, do you have all the parts I need for sale? Or any laying around that you could send me a picture of?

The bellhousing has 10 trans. mount bolt holes, std. GM being one.

I'll send a px when snow melts? Casting # 3947709, with GM 4 under it, this casting number is located where the trans mounts, so, could not see it if trans is attached, may appear elsewhere.

For long input shaft no 9+ inch(short) input. May also be attached to GMC V6 without the adapter plate, so look there too. 5.125" retainer dia.

None of this is SAE compliant. I have nothing but bellhousing plus adapter plate like your px. So you will need flywheel and its starter.

Ed

Thanks, Ed. So, am I barking up the wrong tree since My tranny came our of a Ford, and I screwed and should bag it, or is there still hope??

Are you sure you can't re-drill a Chevrolet V8 bell housing to accept the Clark Trans? Do you have pictures of the two pieces apart?

Would a racing steel Chevrolet bell housing (blow shield type) work? You could weld the holes and re-drill it maybe...grabbing straws here.

Mike B

MIke B. I am pretty sure I could make the chevy bellhousing mate up to the clark tranny, but, the tube on the front bearing retainer is a lot larger diametter and in turn the throwout bearing. The Clark had a 14" clutch on it and the throweout bearing is quite a bit larger than the chevy one. The end of the input shaft that goes in the pilot bushing is also a lot bigger than the Chevy, so much so, I am not sure there would be any room for a pilot bushing in the end of the crank! I will get some pictures and measurements tomorrow night or Saturday. (I have the heads off my Suburban and may be pulling the engine out this weekend so, I'm not sure how much time I'll have to play with the clark tranny and how much room I will have to spread things out!)

I wonder if a hydraulic throwout bearing set-up would work?

The input shaft could be turned to match the Chevrolet pilot bearing diameter.

The 14" clutch may be grabby in your truck, they came stock with an 11".

Mike B

that might explain why the clutch in my Suburban seems grabby, it is a 12", assuming it did not come stock in a 1/2 ton Sub if a 2-ton came with an 11" clutch!

69cuda,

I just updated my earlier post. See if your trans. Works with that info. Pilot bushing/brgs. Are easy to change rather than modify an input shaft, unless of course, the input shaft pilot is larger than the crank bore.

Ed

Thanks Ed. I'll go check out the 58 school bus in the wrecking yard near me and see what that has in it. I also know of another wrecking yard that has some big GM trucks.