[BOOKS4CARS]

HELP ---I AM NEW HERE-----MY NAME IS GREG----
don't know which way to go ----i am building a 32 ford with a 283 and t5 5speed trans---need help selecting a clutch linkage system-----should i go with a slave cylinder or a hydraulic throw out bearing. ----i hear good and bad about the hyd tob----any opinions would be appreciated. ---this vehicle will be used only on street for cruising never raced . what brand of tob is recommended? if recomendation is twords a slave cylinder system which stock gm or other should i use ? . Outside of the obvious what is the difference beteween a push and pull type slave cylinder ? is one better than the other or is it just a matter of mounting space and clearance?? do i have to use a special fork with either application ---anybody got a good web site for research on this subject ??? thanks in advance-----greg

[Lee Hulick]

Greg,

This is a bump as well as a plea for an answer for you. I'm in the same postition with my 34 Ford. I have both a TH400 and a Muncie 4 speed. I really want to run the manual but need advice like you.

If I don't get something soon, I'm gonna take the easy way out and run the TH400. But that's not really a 'hot rodder's' way, now is it?

Lee

[tnsmith10]

i would go with an external setup... no mess to clutch if it goes bad, not to mention u dont have to pull the trans to replace.

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

All I have ever used is the slave type units. Available at bone yards, fairly simple to set up on existing clutch components and rebuildable. More adjustable and not as disc thickness sensitive.

[BOOKS4CARS]

thanks guys --i appreciate the opinions---my instincts were taking me twards the external --now i have to select componants and fab me a system ---thanks again-----greg

[Lee Hulick]

Same goes for me guys.

BOBCRMAN, what is your first choice for a junkyard donor?

Lee

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

OLD GMC trucks, after that about anything that has a decent sized slave...

[Jmark]

do it the fun way, put a 12" clutch in place of the converter on the TH400!!! Awesome hole shot and can't be out-shifted.

Some years back, my neighbor was one of the lead tranny guys at one of the chevy dealers. He used to make the "clutch flight" conversions in his garage. Did a 454 jeep, drove it once and pushed it home, scared him to death. He was happy when the owner came to get it.

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

JMark, I also had a Fairbanks Clutch turbo in a tube chassis, glass, 70 ish Nova. I really liked the trans (poor mans LENCO), but the 1" input shaft was its downfall. That ole Big block and 14 wide M&H's would twist that "high-tuff" shaft almost completely around before breaking!! I used to have them hung up on the wall as conversation pieces!!

[BOOKS4CARS]

what years on the gmc trucks----for donor parts??? only gmc not chevy also?

[tnsmith10]

the mid-later 80's camaros and firebirds that came with the chevy engines and std. trans came with a t-5 trans... the bellhousing will bolt right up and the slave is external... (drivers side of bellhousing). gl

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

Any of the OLD GMC pickups, busses, etc. that used the V-6 GMC engine (spark plugs in the center valley) and stick trans. They are getting hard to find. The last three I scored were at a tractor/heavy equipment yard.. I don't think Chevy used these engines..

The Camaro-Firebird ones are more common and will work well. The reason I like the GMC ones, is they are easily rebuildable. Lots of travel.

[M&M CUSTOM]

You could also use a small hydraulic cylinder with clevis pin ends for a custom set-up.

I have also seen rock crawler clutches operated with use of motorcycle chain and sprockets.

[BOOKS4CARS]

I AM AWARE OF THE FIREBIRD /CAMARO BELLHOUSING WITH THE SLAVE BUILT IN BUT THEY WOULD LEAVE ME WITH A TRANSMISSION THAT IS TILTED 15 DEGREES----AS FOR THE GMC TRUCKS ---I WILL HAVE TO LOOK INTO THEM AS HAVE A FRIEND THAT IS A PARTS GUY AT A GMC DEALER ---I WILL LET HIM DO SOME RESEARCH FOR ME ---THANKS GUYS

GREG

[M&M CUSTOM]

A bellhousing from an S-10/15 truck-Astro van with the 4.3 V-6 will directly bolt up to a V-8 and also has the external slave cylinder.