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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: bigben129 on September 18, 2011, 10:58:04 pm

Title: upgrade 4spd linkage type clutch to hydraulic?
Post by: bigben129 on September 18, 2011, 10:58:04 pm

I am new to the board and new to these trucks.   have always wanted one and now i have a 1981 chevy 1-ton with heavy 8 lug running gear np205 transfercase and 4 speed trans.  mildly built 350.  and a body that looks like swiss cheese for now  LOL

problem is when i get in a mud hole the body and frame flex just enough to knock the linkage out of alignment and of course the clutch wont work and i gotta limp it back untill i can clean it out and fix it.

a hydraulic clutch would certainly get rid of this little gremlin and keep me going.

did this body style have that option?  maybe from 85 and up or something that i could make work.

thanks in advance for your help.

Title: Re: upgrade 4spd linkage type clutch to hydraulic?
Post by: zieg85 on September 18, 2011, 11:18:38 pm

Yes the juice clutch from a 1985 would fix your concerns.  To do it right you would need the extra braces or complete pedal set up including the braces, juice bell housing, hoses, master and reservoir.  Nice worthwhile upgrade IMO  There is a recent thread that shows the difference in the pedal assembly in your truck versus one out of a hydraulic clutch.

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=21424.0  is the thread showing the difference. 

See this is your first post, welcome from NW Indiana

Title: Re: upgrade 4spd linkage type clutch to hydraulic?
Post by: bigben129 on September 18, 2011, 11:41:40 pm

thanks again for your help.  from ravenswood wv

what do you mean by the extra braces?

does anyone have suggestions where i can get this list of parts  or do i need to just start junkyard searches  LOL  if they still exist

if the hyd clutch came as a kit that would be awesome. 

Title: Re: upgrade 4spd linkage type clutch to hydraulic?
Post by: 1980c10 on September 19, 2011, 12:52:47 am

you will need
1 clutch pedal assembly from an 85+ truck
also grab the neutral saftey switch and brake light switch.
clutch cylinder
slave cylinder
and line
you may also need a matching throw out fork and bell housing (I have no idea)
In my project thread I converted my mecahnical linkage to a hydraulic set up but it was for a 5 speed.
the pedal assembly and clutch cylinder set would be the same.
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12330.60 (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=12330.60)

Title: Re: upgrade 4spd linkage type clutch to hydraulic?
Post by: bigben129 on September 23, 2011, 07:29:44 am

do i need to be finding most of this stuff at a junk yard?  or is there a place that i could get aftermarket stuff.

problem with wv is stuff is so rusty and alot of trucks have been crushed.  hard to find parts.

Title: Re: upgrade 4spd linkage type clutch to hydraulic?
Post by: 1980c10 on September 23, 2011, 08:50:29 am

I bought my clutch and slave cylinders new at the local parts store and made the line. The pedal assembly will come from a salvage yard.
You will also be able to pick up the switches at the local parts store. I forgot to mention earlier that you'll need a fluid resivour-and that could come from any vehicle that has a hydraulic clutch.

Title: Re: upgrade 4spd linkage type clutch to hydraulic?
Post by: bigben129 on September 23, 2011, 09:41:12 am

thanks
i will be working on this over the next couple of months. i am also changing out the cab on the 81  so i got a lot of work ahead of me.