The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Clutch problems on 37 Chevy pickup

I am new to this site and am having clutch engagement problems on my 37 Chevy pickup. I cannot shift gears with the engine running. It shifts fine with engine off. The truck has a 56 235 engine and stock 37 3 speed tranny & driveline. The clutch parts have been replaced w/parts from Chevs of the 40s and I installed a linkage kit for 37-39 from Vintage Auto Parts. The clutch fork is for 38-46 and the clutch disc & pressure plate are 9". I have been adjusting this linkage for 2 weeks and have not been able to cure this problem. What am I overlooking?

I also have a 37 with a 57 235,orignal trans and rear. The linkage kit you bought did it have a clutch pedal with it,you might want to get one for a 38-46 they are different. I am not familiar with there linkage kit so I dont know what it has. What bellhousing are you using,if it is the original 37 find one for a 38-46 there is a difference. The hole for the fork ball is closer to the center than the 38 -up and if you put the newer fork in it the fingers go over center in the throwout bearing and wont work properly. I went through the same problem with mine so I went to a junkyard and bought a bellhousing,fork and clutch pedal and linkage from a 41 and it works like it should

Jeff, how much farther toward center is the hole for the clutch fork pivot ball? I'm going to start searching junkyards tomorrow. I am using a 38 clutch pedal. The linkage kit has an "L" shaped threaded rod as well as a chain and another straight rod with a loop at each end. Thank you for your help.

The holes for the ball are too large to redrill the new hole without welding up the old one,I think the difference is about a half inch. I forgot to mention the first time is to see if thats the problem is to take the inspection cover off and check where the fingers are on the throwout bearing. If you have the 37 bellhousing with the newer fork you will see the fingers are over the center to the pass side. Its not hard to change the bellhousing but you have to take alot apart and you have to remove the clutch and flywheel before you can get the bellhousing off. When you go to the junkyard bring a 9/16 swivel socket and extensions in case the motor is stuck. If you cant find any a local junkyard here has about five 41-6 trucks in it and if you get the bellhousing of a 41-6 dont forget to get the mount bolts too that year bell requires longer bolts

To charles in CA you can contact me at [email protected] about the clutch problem for quicker response