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ThatOtherGuy 11-28-2004 17:59:22 68.255.61.103 11807 Report to Moderator	Last year I put a new clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing in my 1977 Chevy 4x4 when I took the 350 out and put a 305 in it. It seemed to work alright. Then I realized putting a 305 in a plow/5th wheel truck was a mistake. So I put a 350 with Edelbrock Performer kit back in (after fixing the leaks and heads and headgaskets). I was sure to put a pliot bearing in the crankshaft. Then problems started. The clutch pushed really hard most of the time and got harder as I pulled the tri-axle 5th wheel flatbed. Then at one point it worked ok. Then it pushed hard again. Then the day before Thanksgiving, the clutch went up. (when we got 6 in of snow, just my luck)I know it took out the throwout bearing cause the last time I pushed the clutch in I heard the bearing bust into pieces and the engine clunks when it idles. (When it started clunking I quit running it) I noticed the clutch fork looked messed up. The way my dad and I installed it was with the throwout bearing/clutch fork/bellhousing on the engine and putting it onto the transmission. I think if we had the bellhousing on the transmission then putting the engine in it would be better cause the throwout bearing is alreadly centered and the clutch fork would be set. Please help me on this. I will be putting a new clutch kit in it in a few days and I need all the tips I can get! I have to have this truck ready to snowplow soon! BTW the clutch is the AutoZone brand and the tranny/transfer case is a SM465/NP205. The pressure plate is the 3 fork style not diaphram. The best reason I have to keep the truck running is it was my uncle's. He bought it new and then 6 years ago he gave it to me cause he didnt have the heart to kill his helping hand. I dont have the heart to put it down either. Its a special plow truck with special front driveshaft and was manufactured with other unique features. It never got a plow till I got it. I've been slowing restoring it but things like this really shove 'the throwout bearing into the clutch'. All help would be appriciated. Thanks. [Reply]  [No Email]
rager 12-05-2004 22:02:32 4.159.83.23 11883 Report to Moderator	Re: 1977 Chevy clutch problem need help before sno in reply to ThatOtherGuy, 11-28-2004 17:59:22   If you're going to change the clutch fork, the pivot ball is probably trashed also? At least make sure it's still round, with no flat spots.   [Reply]  [No Email]
Allan C 11-28-2004 19:49:47 142.165.91.117 11809 Report to Moderator	Re: 1977 Chevy clutch problem need help before sno in reply to ThatOtherGuy, 11-28-2004 17:59:22   If the pedal was hard to push there's only really 2 reasons. 1 the throwout bearing is stuck on the shaft or the pressure plate has a problem. Most likely the first. I have seen trannys that were operated with siezed throwouts wear the stub pipe off the transmission. That would account for your symptoms. By the way, the method you used to install it is perfectly alright.   [Reply]  [No Email]
ThatOtherGuy 11-29-2004 17:22:13 68.255.60.49 11824 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: 1977 Chevy clutch problem need help before in reply to Allan C, 11-28-2004 19:49:47   You know what, I think you're right. I got the tranny/transfer case out and there is sludge on the shaft. The tranny/T-case leaks everywhere else, so I think the front seal is bad, too. (Plus the bellhousing has thick oil all over.) I will be putting new seals/gaskets on the two, new driveshaft carrier bearing, and a new clutch kit. Believe it or not this is the very first time the tranny/t-case has been taken out since it was new. It lasted a long time! Also I didn't ever drive it on the expressway until a few months ago, (Uncle drove it on the highway for 20 years and after that he used it for a farm beater till the starter went up. It sat for 2 years then I got it. It had a car 350, but I recently got the original 350 4 bolt main! which will be rebuilt when the time and money comes) and also pulling the trailer means reving the engine higher than normal so more oil would get on it. I am so glad I own a 1977 Chevy, just pulling the shift levers off and the floor cover, and the 4 tranny to bellhousing bolts and 4 crossmember bolts and it was out! Only took a few hours. That thing still has straw on it from when it was on the farm! It will get paint and rustproofing on the cab. Just another step to restoring this family truck. Thanks for your assistance. -ThatOtherGuy   [Reply]  [No Email]
SteveB(wi) 12-02-2004 18:22:46 24.145.195.151 11848 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: Re: 1977 Chevy clutch problem need help be in reply to ThatOtherGuy, 11-29-2004 17:22:13   When my 350 needed rebuilding I found I could replace it with a new motor for about the price of a rebuild. crate motor   [Reply]  [No Email]