FE Power Forums
FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: 427HISS on June 14, 2019, 05:14:35 PM
-
The one I have is for using a single disk, but I have the Ram twin disk, so mine isn't long enough.
I'm thinking this one that is bullet not the plastic. I don't mind paying extra for a better tool and that can be used a lot more than a few times. Just checking with you guys.
RAM Clutch Billet Steel Alignment Tools 03-048
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ram-03-048/overview/make/ford
-
If you can't come up with a broken input shaft to use, then that would be the next best thing.
-
If I was making one from a worn out input shaft, would make it so there was a disc that fit inside the ID of the bell housing hole. Or use part of the trans front bearing retainer.
-
I was using one of those cheap plastic alignment tools that came with my clutch assembly and it was crap. I spent hours trying to get the transmission installed but I couldn't get the input shaft to enter the pilot bushing no matter what I tried. I bought that Ram aluminum alignment tool and it made all the difference in the world. It's a great piece.
-
If the tool fits loose in the Pilot it can make your Disc out of alignment from the play , if loose we use the tool to move the disc around and just eye ball it , if it looks off center then it is , works great
-
Yes, the typical plastic ones are kinda on the loose side. Even my used, broken input I use for installation, I slide it in/out a few times, making sure the disc is not hanging on it and making it droop out of alignment.
With mine being near a full input shaft, I have something to bang on with the palm of my hand to move the disc around just slightly to adjust it even after tightening the bolts up.
-
Well crap, the model I have is for a single disk, but I need a longer one for a twin disk. More money but will have it for replacing the clutch next time. $50.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ram-03-048/overview/year/1968/make/ford/model/galaxie-500
-
A speed trick I learned from seasoned tech was to hang the clutch disc and pressure plate on the input shaft. The only thing to line up it the pilot bearing. Rotating the flywheel a few times to gradually tighten the bolts seems like more steps but in most cases it is a big time saver.
It was so simple I could not figure out why I hadn't already thought of it.
-
Chris, it all depends on your bellhousing. Factory ones with the big opening on the bottom is okay. Aftermarket blowproofs have minimal access and you have to put the clutch in first.
I know hanging the clutch on a big truck makes it a whole lot easier on the back, but again, the bellhousing allows access to tighten the pressure plate bolts.
-
Decades ago when I first attempted to use the plastic alignment tool it was too loose in the pilot bushing. I simply wrapped a few turns of masking tape on the portion that fits into the pilot bushing until it fit snug. Solved the problem, everything lined up correctly. Still works today.
-
What do you do with a dual disk ?
-
I'd machine one out of a stick, personally. In the old days, I would collar a friend or room mate. I used one of the wood tools to get it close to right. Install bell and clutch linkage. I'd then hang the trans on some long studs, lock it in gear and put in the tail yoke. Gently slide the trans forward and turn the tail yoke to get a good bite in the disk. Then had said friend/roomie step on the clutch pedal and the trans would slide right in.
-
I know hanging the clutch on a big truck makes it a whole lot easier on the back, but again, the bellhousing allows access to tighten the pressure plate bolts.
How I do every semi, major time saver if you have a helper for 5 minutes to roll the engine over.
-
Chris, it all depends on your bellhousing. Factory ones with the big opening on the bottom is okay. Aftermarket blowproofs have minimal access and you have to put the clutch in first.
I know hanging the clutch on a big truck makes it a whole lot easier on the back, but again, the bellhousing allows access to tighten the pressure plate bolts.
Used that more on automobiles than anything else. Some you can't get to that way. The stock FE bells.are easy.to do this way. Seems the big trucks had dual disc but I have never used a dual or blow proof bell on an FE.
-
I'd machine one out of a stick, personally. In the old days, I would collar a friend or room mate. I used one of the wood tools to get it close to right. Install bell and clutch linkage. I'd then hang the trans on some long studs, lock it in gear and put in the tail yoke. Gently slide the trans forward and turn the tail yoke to get a good bite in the disk. Then had said friend/roomie step on the clutch pedal and the trans would slide right in.
Only real problem is he is working on a dual disc. :o
He needs both splines lined up to get the transmission installed. The wood stick trick won't quite get you there.
-
Yep, exactly, so I ordered the tool today from Summit. I sure do give them a lot of money.
-
I sure do give them a lot of money.
Yup, don't we all.
-
High quality, worked great. If anyone wants to use it, let me know.
-
I was fighting a TL install recently, it is in another thread on site. Just wanted to share as I mentioned there that at least for a 10 spline 1-3/8” input you can use an input shaft from a Model A. Wise old Ford guy across the River lent me one that he has utilized for decades now. Thought that was cool.
JB
-
Cool...
-
I make mine clutch alingment tools in the lathe.
You dont need the splines on them, just snug
fitting inside the splines
-
I make mine clutch alingment tools in the lathe.
You dont need the splines on them, just snug
fitting inside the splines
With two disks in there you need the splines ;)
-
I make mine clutch alingment tools in the lathe.
You dont need the splines on them, just snug
fitting inside the splines
With two disks in there you need the splines ;)
Opps, Did not se he had a dual disc clutch ::)
-
Or you could do what most of us do. I have a used input shaft I picked up from Ebay for 22.00. Works every time. I also set it on a floor jack when working off the floor and with the weight unloaded it usually goes home very easily.
-Keith