1979 C20 clutch pedal problems

[Swearingsailor6]

Hey guys!

Been awhile since I posted or even checked the site, but I got my hands on an unmolested 79 chevy c20 with 350/465/14ff -still trying to figure out the axle ratio-

I noticed right away that the clutch pedal sticks up way too much, as in my knee goes to my chest when i put my foot on the clutch. It also engages and disengages at the very top of the travel.... Very very annoying!! Im guessing that it just needs adjustment, but I want to make sure. is there a stop that keeps the pedal from coming so far out? or does it just need the rod adjusted on the fork? Was a farmers truck, and he just replaced the clutch, but I am guessing he had no idea how to adjust it.
I didn't get much time to look at it tonight, but it looks to me like the rod is adjusted as far out as it goes. (Manual clutch if you didn't catch that)

I will get pictures up as soon as I get my camera back.....lost it at the fair but someone found it and is returning it, just gotta wait for it in the mail. Thank god for the tag I filled out that came with the case...probably wouldn't have ever gotten it back!

Needs hrs of cleaning up, but very little rust on the body, and a couple of dents in the pass door that will pop right out. rear pass. part of the box is pushed in, but I have a spare box with no rust that has been sitting in my garage for years, i'll finally get to use it! Basically stole the truck, $100 bucks at an estate auction. New clutch, new tires... I think I came out ahead. Engine runs like a champ, but leaks oil out of valve cover and oil pan gaskets, ill get a chance to dig deeper in it this coming weekend, so we will see what I turn up!
Thanks
Ryan

[Swearingsailor6]

I messed with the clutch for about 2 hrs last night. found the issue but am having problems finding the parts to correct it.

The clutch linkage has no springs attached to it. In typical farmer fashion, they just extended the rod all the way out to keep the linkage from falling out which makes the clutch pedal extend out to about your chest level. I am having problems locating the right springs that mount on the clutch fork. Of course the local parts stores do not have them. I did pick up a universal kit from o'rileys, but it just doesn't have the right springs to correctly do it. As it sits right now, there are springs mounted on there, and it does work in a haphazard sort of way, and the clutch pedal is in the right position, but it just isn't going to work for the long-run.

I am thinking that the pressure plate/and/or clutch will have to be replaced again, because I think the way they had it caused some more issues than just a fully-extended clutch pedal. When I push the clutch, it feels very mushy, which is a stark contrast with my last 4 speed truck. Doesn't feel the same at all. Once I locate the correct springs and get them installed properly, I will see if that corrects the spongy feeling. If it doesn't, It looks like I will be pulling the tranny out to do a clutch job. Should be easy, and will allow me to replace the rear main seal which I plan on doing anyway in the not so distant future.

Another option is to install this TH350 sitting in my garage that was recently rebuilt for another project, but went with 700r4 instead. I'd rather stay with the 465 though....

Anyways, ill keep you posted on what I decided to do
Thanks
Ryan

[GreaseDog]

you're gonna have a hell of a time finding those parts. i was able to locate the part numbers from GM a few years back, and most of it is still available. though it was cheaper to convert it to a hudraulic clutch.

[96K2500]

LMC should have what you need.

[Chickenfloss]

Brothers Trucks may have it too...they tend to be cheaper than LMC on some stuff.

http://www.brotherstrucks.com/products.asp?dept=475

[Swearingsailor6]

LMC doesn't have them, at least on the online catalog, got a paper copy coming my way. Brothers trucks has one of the two. I do have a line on 2 other chevy trucks that I can pick up cheap. My nephew is going through a divorce, and he needs some cash for lawers etc, so he will sell me the 2 at less than scrap prices, a 79 and an 80, the 80 is a 3/4 ton and the 79 is 1/2 ton, both reg cab lwb, 4x4. Neither one is in good shape, but they are both manual, so between the two, I should have a few extra parts for mine :) hopefully I can pick them up this coming weekend, and have a couple parts trucks. I know one of them has a good running engine, I think the 1/2 ton, but they both run and drive, just been sitting for awhile and need alot of TLC. Probably not worth much more than for parts, but I guess we will see. Not only am I helping out a family member, but I'm getting a pretty good deal on two complete trucks.

Now to tell my wife.....ugh! lol