Clutch Pedal Effort

[walt mckenna]

I have a cable actuated clutch system and the pedal effort seems higher then it was in the donor. The only thing I can point to is the tighter bend radius required in the Mark IV versus the Mustang. Has anyone converted from cable to hydraulics and noticed a significant change in pedal effort?

[cgundermann]

I wrenched on a number of 5.0 Stangs for years before my MKIV. I am currently using a modified Mustang foot box (brake pedal modified) and adjustable aftermarket clutch cable quadrant. New motor, clutch etc. and it feels close (maybe a touch harder) to my 92 Stang but I am still breaking in my MKIV. The hydraulic kits clearly reduce pedal effort. Interesting that you feel the difference between donor and kit installation...my cable routing has a pretty tight radius...wonder if seat ergonomics have a play?

[BEAR-AvHistory]

If you want to lighten the pedal push Forte sells a fork extension kit that will solve the problem.

[CraigS]

Are you using a made by Ford cable?

[edwardb]

A hydraulic clutch will definitely be better than a poorly routed or poor quality cable. But the right cable properly routed works about the same IMO. I've installed both. The problem is sometimes the optimal routing isn't easy plus gets too close to heat which also kills the cable. A genuine Ford (or Ford Racing) cable is important. An extension on the clutch fork, like the one sold by Forte, is another option. But it does come with a price. The reason it's reducing effort is because it's also increasing the amount of clutch pedal movement. It may be necessary to raise the clutch pedal above the brake pedal to get enough movement. Not my personal choice, although I know a lot of guys have them set up that way.

[walt mckenna]

I installed an OEM replacement cable as part of the build. The seats are as far back as I can get them with the rear of the seats touching the floor and the fronts raised to create a 16 degree angle to the floor.

Pedal effort is not objectionable to me but my wife comments on it every time she is behind the wheel, so I thought I would explore options to make it a little nicer for her. There is only a couple of inches difference in our height, so seat position does not seem to be an issue.

Thanks to all for your helpful comments.

[Derald Rice]

I have a 84 and 89 Mustang, in addition to the FFR. All use the same clutch, clutch cable, firewall adjuster, clutch pedal, and quandrant. Pedal feel is the same on all 3.

Derald.

EDIT; Forte makes a clutch fork extender that might be able to provide a reduced clutch effort. It would certainly be easier than retrofitting a hyd system.

OOPS.... the extender was already mentioned.