Pivot ball adjustment

[bigal0043]

After about 200 miles, I started noticing my clutch slipping. The clutch cable appeared to be in the same position as before—no changes in tightness. However, I then saw that the clutch fork was touching the bellhousing. After some Google searches, I realized that when I installed the clutch fork, it should have been centered in the opening. Looking back at photos, I confirmed that it was positioned correctly during installation.

With that in mind, I began the daunting task of removing the driveshaft, unbolting the transmission mounts, and then loosening the transmission bolts attached to the bellhousing. I also disconnected the shifter. However, with the small stub on the shifter still in place, I can't seem to drop the transmission low enough to clear the transmission tunnel and slide it back far enough to access the clutch fork and stud.

Any tips on how to reach the pivot ball to add some washers (or buy a longer one) for a proper 90-degree fork angle? Or should I continue attempting to slide the transmission back and maneuver my hands through the transmission hole to work inside the bellhousing, thinking im going to have to pull the shifter top section just to get it to slide backwards?

T5z transmission...
214708

[Guardm16]

Not sure about your car, but when I put a T-5 into a 65 mustang, I had to take the 4 bolts out of the shifter top plate, remover the shifter through the tunnel, then I could slide the trans back far enough to get it off the clutch.

[CraigS]

Go ahead and remove the 4 bolts and remove the shifter. You will be surprised what a simple mechanism it is. If you happen to mess up the gasket reassemble w/ RTV only.

[bigal0043]

I'm heading back at it this morning. I have an SN95 bellhousing—long story, but yes, it fits with swapped input shafts. However, I didn’t realize the clutch forks differ between a Fox Body (which I originally ordered) and an SN95. Now it makes sense why the fork was at such a weird angle and why installation was such a struggle in the first place. Looks like autozone in town has the correct fork, so ill report back afterwards.

[bigal0043]

New adjustable pivot ball from Forte, new clutch fork (SN95 style), and new throwout bearing just because. All was able to be changed with sliding the T5 backwards and unbolting the shifter.

Its been 20 years since driving a stick, and those cars were always junkers. Guess I didn't realize how much the clutch was slipping before. Wow what a positive amazing difference with a fully releasing clutch!