clutch adjustment

BA0073 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-07-2014, 08:48 PM

Have a question about clutches and adjustments. This week I replaced the clutch with one that will hold the power better. The clutch that was in the Cobra was out of adjustment (no more adjustment left on the cable) so I said I will replace it. I did as the instruction's told me and the adjustment is in almost the same spot. I have about 1/8 of an inch to adjust, is this normal? I replaced the original clutch with a 75205 super street pro series. The instructions state if you have a cable, adjust the T O Bearing till the T O just starts to touch the fingers on the pressure plate.
I am being told you have to buy a aftermarket adjustable clutch cable (on the firewall adjustment) to do any kind of fine tuning. Will this give me more adjustability. I also do not have any room for the quadrant (1/2 moon shaped part that the cable rolls on). The Cobra is running fine now but looking into the next time I have to adjust the clutch. Any thoughts and info would be appreciated. Thank you

skullandbones · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2014, 11:28 AM

I have such a Frankenstein setup that I didn't expect the cable to work at all. So I ordered some quadrant ends from McMasters. I happen to have the swedging tool from a former business so it was easy. You could take it to a shop to have that swedged as well not much cost. Long story short: I have a custom length cable that fits perfectly. BTW, make sure everything is in the correct position before you measure and cut your cable such as the firewall adjustment, pedal height, quadrant position, etc..... That way you will have the full range of adjustment for your new cable. I can post the part number if you are interested. Good luck, WEK.

mikiec · #3 (**permalink**) 04-09-2014, 12:29 PM

I'm wondering if the old cable has stretched?

RET_COP · #4 (**permalink**) 04-09-2014, 05:25 PM

Ford Racing makes at least 4 different length cables, A302/B302/C302/D302, you need to find the right one. Also when you put the clutch together did you adjust the pivot ball length before putting the transmission on the Bell. This will put the clutch fork in the proper location in relation to the pressure plate fingers and the bellhousing fork window. The firewall adjustment is just for small fine tuning and keeps from having to go under the car.

Car Nut · #5 (**permalink**) 04-10-2014, 06:23 PM

I assume you are using the original Ford self adjusting clutch quadrant and pawl. If not, nevermind the following.

In reviewing my Ford Shop Manual (88 MY), it indicates there is no adjustment available for the pivot ball. All of the adjustment is made via the self adjusting pawl mechanism and there is a very specific procedure for making the initial installation. Basically, the pedal must be held all the way up to release the pawl and quadrant, then push the quadrant forward and hook the end of the cable of the rear of the quadrant Depressing the clutch several times adjusts the clutch. If this doesn't work and the quadrant isn't broken, perhaps you have the wrong cable as suggested previously or the clutch fork is damaged.

BA0073 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-11-2014, 05:41 AM

To Car Nut, the cable is simple eyelet on the pedal and adjustment on the transmission side.
To RET COP I didn't think of the pivot ball adjustment inside the bell housing I will look into that, and different cable sizes. May have to pull the tranny again but good point Sir.
I have a direction and will look at my options ( cable or pivot ball)
Thank you for the information.