Putting engine and transmission back in a 1939 Ford and I can’t get the clutch linkage to hook up. Looks to me like the adapter bar for the manual T5 transmission is too long, but it was hooked up and working correctly when it was removed. The picture shows the clutch pedal all the way up and the transmission side where it is naturally sitting before being engaged. What am I doing wrong here, is there something off inside the clutch? IMG_1354 by Findail posted Apr 4, 2026 at 9:15 AM Also, not sure what this rod is for, was thinking kick down, but it is too short, heavy, and the transmission is manual so it's not that. Any help on what is is and where it goes? IMG_1360 by Findail posted Apr 4, 2026 at 9:15 AM
Pictures aren't loading for me. Maybe this thread will help you. There may be more, it's the first that came up. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/t-5-clutch-linkage-setup-for-model-a-coupe.1025279/
Thanks for the heads up on the images, I think I have fixed the permissions. And thanks for the link, will take a look and see if I can get a clue as to what is going on with my set up.
Glad to help! Images are showing now. Here's a search result for "T5 Clutch" in ***le here. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/search/725018744/?q=T5+Clutch&o=relevance&c[***le_only]=1 If that first one doesn't clear things up, you can look thru these and something may have exactly what you need or at least give you some ideas. I'd look at the Z bar leverages across different designs. Just like brake pedal linkage, there is a rule of force and movement that is going to be common.
Had a t5 for a long time with homemade linkage--factory type stuff didn't work for me. FYI, the pedal ratio is critical on those and adjustment is tough, close is good for most of 'em.
On mine if the arm is pulled back like you pic shows the fork inside will come off the bearing. Try pushing it forward and in or out to get the fork lined up with the bearing. As for the rod, no clue where that would go.
Is the part that attaches the the pedal rotate 180° toward the back of the car? Looks like the rust on it has a hexagonal shape as if it was flipped backwards maybe.
@MojoRacing Tried that, frame stops it from going backwards. @Flatrod17 Not sure what you mean, I can move the transmission side by hand, but not enough to get it to attach and I think even if would go far enough the it would no longer be able to move and would not be able to function.
I've sold 100's of my T5 kits for your installation and it's fairly straight forward especially if your using the 39 pedal ***embly. My kit interludes the bell housing TOBrg ***embly, lower shaft, fork, lever, return spring and bolts. The first thing is having the shaft clocked right when installing the fork and having the radiused front of the fork facing the brg. Not having the shaft clocked correctly is probably the most common problem. I also furnish a fabricated 39 style clutch lever that makes the hookup a simple deal. Most of my customers even use the stock clutch rod.
@krylon32 I did not clock when ***embling, and i"m not sure what you mean. At this point I think I'd have to remove the engine and trans to do the clocking but that might be the right answer. Do you have instructions or a diagram to show what I should be looking for?
See if you can make sense of these pics. You can barely see the one side of the fork on the right, the first pic is in the proper place the second pic out of place. By pushing the shaft in or out you should be able to feel it lock on place. More pics if needed I will try to get them. You could call what I am saying clocking the fork with the bearing.
Right. If it's off 180 degrees it effects the bearing travel which in turn effects the pedal and linkage. Who did you get your adapter package from? Are you using the original 39 pedal ***embly with no modifications? Send me a PM so we can talk in private and I see ifcan help you. No Charge
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