Hello, Converting my 1954 chevy pickup (has original 235 engine) from 3 speed column to 4 speed on floor. I purchased a rebuilt Saginaw 4 speed for this purpose. Figured while I had it apart I would replace the clutch disk and pressure plate. Ordered that from NAPA as they indicated it would fit my application. Installed the clutch no problem. When I installed the transmission I found that throw out bearing (that came with the NAPA clutch) is really, really tight and despite any adjustments there is no play in the throw out at all, it is squeezed tight between the pressure plate and transmission. I don't know if the original pressure plate was the "flat" type but when I checked back with NAPA the new pressure plate is of the "raised" variety. The old throw out bearing and new throwout bearing appear to be identical. I checked the internet and there is a "short" throw out bearing. Before buying I wanted to check with the forum and ask a couple questions. 1) Will the "raised" diaphragm pressure plate clutch work with my application. I realize NAPA's site indicated it would but then perhaps they ***umed it would be used in a car rather than a truck? 2) Will switching to the "short" throw out bearing work here, providing a better fit with the required 1/16 to 1/8 inch "play" and, will the short throw out be okay to use for a truck ( will be used for recreation purpose, not hauling or towing anything) ? 3) Or perhaps I am doing something wrong and the "long" throw out bearing should work here? I double checked the clutch and transmission and all appear to be fine. The transmission is bolted up tight. The throw out bearing is centered and on the fork. When I try to move the fork back and forth there is no play and I have it "adjusted" almost all the way to the end. Any help here would be appreciated. If I missed something feel welcome to ask. Thank you bob
The bearing needs to match the clutch. If NAPA gave you the wrong one, then you need to take it back and get the right one. It's not very complicated, really. you might double check that the transmission front bearing retainer (the sleeve that the throwout bearing rides on) is clean and and smooth and is not keeping the bearing from hanging up
Well, if you screw up like I did (ended up with NO adjustability, used a new short one instead of the original long), you just have to pull the transmission and put the correct one in. I measured 2wice and still had to pull the trans, no big deal.
if the "fingers" on the pressure plate are raised, a short throwout bearing is used. If the "fingers" are flat, a long throwout bearing is used. I would go back to NAPA and tell them that they gave you the wrong throwout bearing.
Thank you for the replys. I checked back with NAPA and they don't offer options on the size of the throw out bearing with the clutch kit which they indicate was made for my truck/engine/transmission set up. In retrospect I should have purchased the clutch plate/disk separate from the throw out bearing. Just something I had not anticipated and didn't learn until it was installed. Looks like I will need to pick up a "short" tob.
If the TO bearing doesn't match the clutch pressure plate, then the "kit" you got is defective. They need to replace it.
Yes. Something is off in that kit. If you need some pics for reference check out this post here. It was the opposite of what you have, the bearing was too short and was throwing off the clutch fork alignment/ linkage. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/alignment-san-diego.968246/
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