ok, I checked all of the T-5 threads I could find. So I'm hoping someone on here can help. I am using a 348 Chevy motor in a '34 coupe with a Camaro T-5, it's a world class with the late style (ford)bolt pattern, and an S-10 tailshaft, it's built and ready to go, the bellhousing I have is a rare Astro van T-5 bellhousing which is cool because it's aluminum, has a built in slave cylinder mount, and the correct bolt patter for the trans while not being pitched to the side like the stock camaro bellhousings. I found the clutch kit, and flywheel, pilot bushing etc, but I cannot find a clutch fork that will work with this setup. My parts resources and local tranny shops have not been able to locate an Astro/Safari clutch fork, and I guess they are not made aftermarket. From what I understand they only offered astro/safaris with T-5's from '87-'89. Is there another application that might work? or does someone have one they can send me a pic of and dimentions so I can fabricate/modify one to work? or even better, have one lying around that I can buy? I guess if I can't figure it out, I will have to use a different belhousing. I really need to get this thing together, any help would be greatly appreciated...
Just a guess, but since it is hydraulic, and the bell is from a 4.3 which would be like a V8, and assuming the pivot ball is on the passenger side of the bell, why can't you use a fork from an '84-up V8 Camaro?
all I know is that it's different, I have a camaro and an s-10 fork here and the pivot ball is in the wrong spot and also too short, if I had exact dimentions from an astro fork I could modify one of them, but i dont wanna just eyeball it.
Got no answers. i would modify the arm or move the pivot ball to use what you've got...but impossible to say w/o "engineering" the whole thing...
Hydraulic throwout bearings are worth the trouble. They seems to have leaking issues. If you know the distance from pivot to input shaft centerline on the Camaro and Astro van bells, then just shorten/lengthen the arm by the difference in distance between the two. Easier to weld steel than aluminum... Or keep looking for the right part...
Have you tryed your local Chevy dealer? They might be able to source it. I just got parts for a late 80s early 90s S-10 from the chevy dealer.
thanks for the suggestions so far, if I could get the measurements I'd be in good shape. The dealerships are of no help, they only used that trans for 3 years in the late 80's and never sold them in California. anyone got a camaro t-5 bellhousing lying around that they can measure the pivot ball center point to the input shaft center line, that might get me in the ballpark.
is there another bellhousing that will work? the stock 348 one has the wrong bolt pattern for this trans
What side of the Astro bellhousing is the pivot on?? Looking at Ebay for pictures (yes, you can use Ebay for more than buying stuff), the V8 Camaro bell has the pivot on the drivers side. I couldn't tell on the V6 ones. I have an S10 2.8 V6 hydro bell and fork, and the pivot is on the passengers side. The distance from the EDGE of the center hole to the center of the pivot is 2 1/4". Since the center holes of all these bells are the same diameter, measuring to the edge of the hole would be sufficient.
I've got the camaro bellhousing with the clutch arm still on it. Looks like 4 3/4 inches from the pivot to the end of the arm. Hard to tell where the centerline is since it is not on the car. If you want the arm just cover the postage when it gets there. jerry
Lakewood15032 is for Chevy block to Ford T5 trans bolt pattern Retail price is ridiculous $400+ ....got mine on Egay for $160 my pic is a 250-6 / WC-T5 / S10 tail the standard fork from a 60's pickup fits perfect
or you could use the early 80's 2.5L jeep bell. it has the ford trans pattern. You would need to swap the front bearing retainer for one from an AMC T5 and re-shim the front bearing. This bell only works with the 153 tooth flywheel. Ty to get the fork with it if you can, but its not as bad as the Astro van deal...
thanks Snarl, the pivot ball is on the drivers side on the Astro bell. that lakewood deal would work, but i' not about to send 400 on one. Hey Jerry, thanks for the offer, but I don't need a camaro fork, just the measurements on the bellhousing so I can modify the fork I have.Any way you could tell me what it measures to the edge of the hole from the centerline on the pivot ball? if so I think i can make this thing work. Thanks again for all the help
You could also try emailing one of the sellers on Ebay to see if they would give you the measurements... A used Lakewood bell isn't a bad idea either. It wouldn't need to have the Ford pattern on it. You could just drill new holes in it and weld some nuts to the inside and you're golden..
ok, I just bought a used Lakewood Muncie Scattershield on ebay, I'll redrill it when it gets here and add a mount for the slave cylinder, it even came with a clutch fork. Seems like the best plan...
RockAuto lists ACDelco #12540395 as the clutch fork for those years of Astro van. Also cross-references to a bunch of different GM models. Might be the right P/N, might not be, but probably still worth checking.
I have very recently done this setup (Astro bellhousing & WC T5) and was in the same situation... What clutch fork to use? I found that a 1963 - 1966 Chevy truck clutch fork has the correct dimensions you need to make it work. The pivot ball location, in relation to the throwout bearing engagement, is correct. I even used a stock (S10) throwout bearing. However, you will have to fab your own shorter, (preferably adjustable) length rod for the slave you decide to use. I purchased the new fork from a local flywheel resurfacing shop for $17. But this link sells the fork and a boot for $40. http://www.alpineautopart.com/servlet/the-910/Clutch-Fork-Chevrolet-Truck/Detail Hope this info helps. P.S. Yes, chickridgerods, Rockauto DOES list the part, but it is on "forever" backorder due to the fact that the fork is no longer produced. I waited 7 weeks for mine to arrive from Rockauto... finally canceled my order and figured out the answer myself. EDIT : I just read shortbed65's answer above... he is correct also.
no way! where were you yesterday, I had one of those stashed away, I just pulled it out and it looks like it will work.But I already sent the paypal for the Lakewood unit! damn! The fork I have came out of a '68 chevy van that had a 194 and a 3 speed....so now I just need to fab the rod for the slave cylinder. Anyone wanna buy a sweet lakewood scattershield/>!!>?
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