The Ford Barn

41LjH · 12-15-2011, 05:01 PM

I know this has been done to death but I still don't get it!
I started my 8BA in my 41 pickup and found I could not put the 41(39?) top loader in gear. The 9" Clutch, pressure plate and flywheel are what came on the 8BA. I put in a new disc and had everything balanced. I fabricated a longer adjusting rod and adjusted it out another 1 1/2" till it will not adjust any more. Still no release. I was told it may be the throw out bearing. I really do not want to pull the engine, but if I have to I would like to get it right the next time!
Any help appreciated.

1931 flamingo · 12-15-2011, 05:31 PM

Can you look thru the inspection hole in top of tranny while depressing the clutch and observe the throw out brg as it moves towards the clutch p/plate fingers??
Paul in CT

41LjH · 12-15-2011, 05:38 PM

Yes it seems to move and I can see part of the fingers move

Charlie ny · 12-15-2011, 05:52 PM

'41,
I'm running the same setup in my '41 1/2 ton. Everything went in
and the '41 clutch release mechanism worked without any mods. I sure
like the idea of observing the cl rel workings thru the insp hole.
Charlie ny

Junknshit · 12-15-2011, 06:10 PM

Is it possible the disc could be in backwards? I know some will go in that way, and will not release. I also think that there is a small or different throw out bearing that won't release. I'm no expert for sure, just trying to think of possibilities.

41LjH · 12-15-2011, 06:43 PM

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Thanks. I remember being very careful to put the disc in correctly. I extended the shaft with threaded rod and a nut.I hope that is where it will adjust. I plan to wield another rod and grind and thread it before I have to pull the engine.. Anybody know the part number of a T/O bearing that works with the 49-53 clutch ?

Walt Dupont--Me. · 12-15-2011, 07:57 PM

I believe the 8BA never had a 9in. clutch and pressure plate. The 8BA had a 9-1/2in. set up. The fingers on the 9-1/2 plate are a diffrtant length that the 9in. The 8BA had a differant TO bearing, The 8BA TO bearing will not work with the 41 trans shaft and TO fork. I have the 8BA flywheel redrilled for the 9in. pressure plate. Walt

George/Maine · 12-15-2011, 08:31 PM

Do you have to stock clutch linkage,If the trans has a lever on trans thats 39 style,and when used with 39 pedels the trans lever has to be shorter,because the 39 does,nt have much travel so the trans lever has to be shorten to 39 lenght.

George/Maine · 12-16-2011, 01:58 AM

You also could have a 49thur 53 car pressure plate,think its smaller,39 bearing is to big for it.

Rascal · 12-16-2011, 03:38 AM

the driven plate maybe too thick if its been re-lined. check to see that the 3 fingers on the clutch cover dont go over centre when you tighten all the step bolts into the flywheel, if they [fingers] do over centre throw inwards or even look level with the spigot-spline , then that will be the issue, the throw out bearing should be ok, as an earlier observer noted, looking thru the inspection cover at top of trans will reveal much of the problem, good luck.

Hoop · 12-16-2011, 05:18 AM

What style pressure plate are you using?

http://www.ramclutches.com/products/...plate_apps.htm

1931 flamingo · 12-16-2011, 09:39 AM

Another thing to look at is the shaft and "fingers" that move the t/o brg towards the p/plate fingers. There is a "pin" or bolt holding the fingers to the shaft. I've had this 'shear" off. Drive you crazy.
Paul in CT

rotorwrench · 12-16-2011, 10:41 AM

The big problem with the 9 1/2 inch Long type clutch is that the splines are for the little 1 inch trans input. The fingers on the preasure plate are designed for this smaller diameter input set up like Walt mentioned. The clutch disk can be modified to work but the pressure plate won't work on the 1 3/8 inch ten spline inputs of the earlier style transmissions. I suspect the fingers are binding with the input shaft or sleeve somewhere.

As Walt mentioned the most practical clutch pressure plate to use is the early 9 inch. It's the least expensive one to repair and most good machine shops can set up to drill any 8BA type flywheel to fit one.

Kerby

41LjH · 12-16-2011, 08:41 PM

Looks like I should have checked with you guys BEFORE I installed the clutch.Hoop I have a long style clutch from the 8BA engine. Actually the 8BA came with a 3 speed side shifter included. I removed it because I wanted to retain the torque tube. I checked the availability on the 9". Disc 91A-7550, Release bearing 78-7580, Pressure Plate 09A-7563. The pressure plate was listed 1935-1940, should I be concerned because my truck and transmission are 1941? Are these parts what I need? The shop that did the machine work can drill the flywheel for the clutch.

Walt Dupont--Me. · 12-16-2011, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 41LjH

Looks like I should have checked with you guys BEFORE I installed the clutch.Hoop I have a long style clutch from the 8BA engine. Actually the 8BA came with a 3 speed side shifter included. I removed it because I wanted to retain the torque tube. I checked the availability on the 9". Disc 91A-7550, Release bearing 78-7580, Pressure Plate 09A-7563. The pressure plate was listed 1935-1940, should I be concerned because my truck and transmission are 1941? Are these parts what I need? The shop that did the machine work can drill the flywheel for the clutch.

Yes, get the 9in. 35-41 they came out with 10in. in 46-48, I have all my clutch and pressure plates made in Wayne Ind Clutch. If I'm getting it for a real hot engine for racing I have them put stiffer springs in the PP. The 9in. will stand alot of HP. Of course if your putting it in a dump truck you may want to go to 10in. Walt

41LjH · 12-16-2011, 09:35 PM

Thanks Walt I will order parts Monday. I'll keep everyone posted on what happens next

rotorwrench · 12-17-2011, 11:28 AM

Some of the 8BA type engines used the older 10 inch long type clutch but only in pickups, station wagons, and police cars. The flywheels are harder to find now days and the 10 inch preasure plate is more expensive to get repaired than the 9 inch mostly due to the amount that are currently in service are lesser in quantity that the old 9 inch. The 9 inch Long type clutch is the safest bet now days.

Kerby

41LjH · 12-18-2011, 01:18 PM

8BA-toploader update.

Pulled the engine this morning. Attached is what I found. The heads of the small bolts were shiny and worn. They were also adjusted all the way in (clockwise). The T/O bearing was burnished on the outer edge. Am I one the right track pulling the flywheel and getting it drilled for a 9” clutch? Just need some assurance before I start spending money..
Thanks.

Kahuna · 12-18-2011, 01:44 PM

In looking at the pictures, I'd say all you need to do is replace the pressure plate. Everything else looks good to me

George/Maine · 12-18-2011, 01:48 PM

Number 6 pic see the wear to close to center.You want a pressure plate with the finger out farther.About 1/4 farther out from center each finger.

12-15-2011, 05:01 PM	#1
41LjH Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NW North Carolina Posts: 461	8BA-toploader I know this has been done to death but I still don't get it! I started my 8BA in my 41 pickup and found I could not put the 41(39?) top loader in gear. The 9" Clutch, pressure plate and flywheel are what came on the 8BA. I put in a new disc and had everything balanced. I fabricated a longer adjusting rod and adjusted it out another 1 1/2" till it will not adjust any more. Still no release. I was told it may be the throw out bearing. I really do not want to pull the engine, but if I have to I would like to get it right the next time! Any help appreciated.

12-15-2011, 05:31 PM	#2
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,393	Re: 8BA-toploader Can you look thru the inspection hole in top of tranny while depressing the clutch and observe the throw out brg as it moves towards the clutch p/plate fingers?? Paul in CT

12-15-2011, 05:38 PM	#3
41LjH Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NW North Carolina Posts: 461	Re: 8BA-toploader Yes it seems to move and I can see part of the fingers move

12-15-2011, 05:52 PM	#4
Charlie ny BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,019	Re: 8BA-toploader '41, I'm running the same setup in my '41 1/2 ton. Everything went in and the '41 clutch release mechanism worked without any mods. I sure like the idea of observing the cl rel workings thru the insp hole. Charlie ny

12-15-2011, 06:10 PM	#5
Junknshit Banned Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Wash. Posts: 233	Re: 8BA-toploader Is it possible the disc could be in backwards? I know some will go in that way, and will not release. I also think that there is a small or different throw out bearing that won't release. I'm no expert for sure, just trying to think of possibilities.

12-15-2011, 06:43 PM	#6
41LjH Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NW North Carolina Posts: 461	Re: 8BA-toploader Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks. I remember being very careful to put the disc in correctly. I extended the shaft with threaded rod and a nut.I hope that is where it will adjust. I plan to wield another rod and grind and thread it before I have to pull the engine.. Anybody know the part number of a T/O bearing that works with the 49-53 clutch ?

12-15-2011, 07:57 PM	#7
Walt Dupont--Me. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gardiner Me. Posts: 4,200	Re: 8BA-toploader I believe the 8BA never had a 9in. clutch and pressure plate. The 8BA had a 9-1/2in. set up. The fingers on the 9-1/2 plate are a diffrtant length that the 9in. The 8BA had a differant TO bearing, The 8BA TO bearing will not work with the 41 trans shaft and TO fork. I have the 8BA flywheel redrilled for the 9in. pressure plate. Walt

12-15-2011, 08:31 PM	#8
George/Maine Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mid coast Maine Posts: 1,878	Re: 8BA-toploader Do you have to stock clutch linkage,If the trans has a lever on trans thats 39 style,and when used with 39 pedels the trans lever has to be shorter,because the 39 does,nt have much travel so the trans lever has to be shorten to 39 lenght.

12-16-2011, 01:58 AM	#9
George/Maine Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mid coast Maine Posts: 1,878	Re: 8BA-toploader You also could have a 49thur 53 car pressure plate,think its smaller,39 bearing is to big for it.

12-16-2011, 03:38 AM	#10
Rascal Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Sacto, Ca Posts: 85	Re: 8BA-toploader the driven plate maybe too thick if its been re-lined. check to see that the 3 fingers on the clutch cover dont go over centre when you tighten all the step bolts into the flywheel, if they [fingers] do over centre throw inwards or even look level with the spigot-spline , then that will be the issue, the throw out bearing should be ok, as an earlier observer noted, looking thru the inspection cover at top of trans will reveal much of the problem, good luck.

12-16-2011, 05:18 AM	#11
Hoop Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Jacksonville FL Posts: 1,137	Re: 8BA-toploader What style pressure plate are you using? http://www.ramclutches.com/products/...plate_apps.htm __________________ "Remember that when it comes to intelligence, half of all of us are below average."

12-16-2011, 09:39 AM	#12
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,393	Re: 8BA-toploader Another thing to look at is the shaft and "fingers" that move the t/o brg towards the p/plate fingers. There is a "pin" or bolt holding the fingers to the shaft. I've had this 'shear" off. Drive you crazy. Paul in CT

12-16-2011, 10:41 AM	#13
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,467	Re: 8BA-toploader The big problem with the 9 1/2 inch Long type clutch is that the splines are for the little 1 inch trans input. The fingers on the preasure plate are designed for this smaller diameter input set up like Walt mentioned. The clutch disk can be modified to work but the pressure plate won't work on the 1 3/8 inch ten spline inputs of the earlier style transmissions. I suspect the fingers are binding with the input shaft or sleeve somewhere. As Walt mentioned the most practical clutch pressure plate to use is the early 9 inch. It's the least expensive one to repair and most good machine shops can set up to drill any 8BA type flywheel to fit one. Kerby

12-16-2011, 08:41 PM	#14
41LjH Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NW North Carolina Posts: 461	Re: 8BA-toploader Looks like I should have checked with you guys BEFORE I installed the clutch.Hoop I have a long style clutch from the 8BA engine. Actually the 8BA came with a 3 speed side shifter included. I removed it because I wanted to retain the torque tube. I checked the availability on the 9". Disc 91A-7550, Release bearing 78-7580, Pressure Plate 09A-7563. The pressure plate was listed 1935-1940, should I be concerned because my truck and transmission are 1941? Are these parts what I need? The shop that did the machine work can drill the flywheel for the clutch.

12-16-2011, 09:35 PM	#16
41LjH Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NW North Carolina Posts: 461	Re: 8BA-toploader Thanks Walt I will order parts Monday. I'll keep everyone posted on what happens next

12-17-2011, 11:28 AM	#17
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,467	Re: 8BA-toploader Some of the 8BA type engines used the older 10 inch long type clutch but only in pickups, station wagons, and police cars. The flywheels are harder to find now days and the 10 inch preasure plate is more expensive to get repaired than the 9 inch mostly due to the amount that are currently in service are lesser in quantity that the old 9 inch. The 9 inch Long type clutch is the safest bet now days. Kerby

12-18-2011, 01:44 PM	#19
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Re: 8BA-toploader In looking at the pictures, I'd say all you need to do is replace the pressure plate. Everything else looks good to me

12-18-2011, 01:48 PM	#20
George/Maine Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mid coast Maine Posts: 1,878	Re: 8BA-toploader Number 6 pic see the wear to close to center.You want a pressure plate with the finger out farther.About 1/4 farther out from center each finger.