clutch rod too short

The clutch adjustment should be set at 1/2 to9/16 gap between the release bearing & the clutch brake. Set this with the internal adjuster then adjust the external linkage if needed. ALWAYS set the internal gap 1st.

 

A new clutch should not require an internal adjustment with a new clutch brake installed.
Someone has shortened the linkage rod when adjusting the old clutch to gain clutch brake on the pedal.
Replace the linkage rod with a new rod of proper length, then adjust the rod only for proper free travel.

 

http://www.roadranger.com/ecm/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dID=281970

If he adjusts the clutch as shown in this video and the clutch brake doesn't function then the linkage is worn. Pete 379s have two swing arms mounted on the underside of the cab in an aluminum channel. These swing arms and the pins they are on have a tendency to wear because nobody greases them. If the swing arms haven't been greased in a long time, you can also have a wear issue with the aluminum channel that the swing arms mount in that is part of the cab structure, to replace this is a major problem. Between the two swing arms is a rod with spherical bearing on each end, in older 379s they had grease fittings also and have a high wear rate if noone greases them. In the newer trucks Pete went to a dry film lubricant in the bearings on this rod, it wears out and causes adjustment issues, along with binding of the linkage.

 

I had a similar issue with my 379 Pete. We replaced the clutch and had trouble getting the linkage set up right. I phoned up our local dealer and was told that in older trucks after a couple of clutch jobs it wasn't unheard of to have to lengthen the aluminum clutch rod. On the earlier 359 models the cluch arm that mounts to the cross shaft has an adjustment bolt on it so you can adjust it there. We drilled and tapped ours for the bolt.(It was identical otherwise).It seemed to do the trick. That was 4 years ago. One other thing I've found is that not all clutch brakes are the same thickness and that can affect your clutch adjustment. Good luck.

 

Im about to try replacing the short rod between the linkages soon up under the floor. Can anyone tell me if its possible to do with the tranny still in? Im not near the truck right now. 90 something 379.

Starting to think i should return the rod and get the full linkage subassembly.