Bellhousing Pivot Ball & Clutch Question

[cv2065]

Clutch is on and getting the bellhousing setup to install. Installed the TOB into the fork and stock pivot ball onto the bellhousing. I have the Ford Racing Aluminum Bell with fixed pivot ball. When I go to install the fork, the pivot ball almost seems too large, as it seems to be bending the fork retainer prongs but not really seating. I can turn the fork a little sideways and the pivot ball seems to fall out. I sent a couple of pics to Forte and I'm sure he'll get back shortly, but wanted to see if anyone else had issues getting the fork to seat on the ball.

Also, the Ram clutch came with its TOB, but have seen a few recommend swapping out for a more heavy duty bearing in the Ford Racing version. I believe the M-7548-A is the correct model number.

[Sigurd]

I don't have answers for you but what about something like this:
clutch.jpg

[cv2065]

I don't have answers for you but what about something like this:
clutch.jpg

Thanks Sigurd! I'm going to stay traditional...No hydraulic for me!

[CraigS]

I haven't done these often enough to have a ready to go answer for you. I will commiserate w/ you though because each time I struggle w/ it, try it 3-4-5 times, and suddenly it is together. The sad thing is I can never figure what I did different that last time to make it fit.

[rich grsc]

Don't have the answer, but you should wipe all that grease off the arm.

[RickP]

I’m interested to know what recommendations the group has regarding the throwout bearing. I have a TB supplied by RAM sitting in my bench waiting to either be installed or upgraded.

[rich grsc]

Stock FORD throwout bearing.

[cv2065]

Stock FORD throwout bearing.

Just ordered the one I listed above.

[edwardb]

M-7548-A is the right number for the Ford Performance TOB. I've used it several times and seems like a good piece. Not sure about the problem getting the clutch arm to fit onto the pivot ball. Usually it's a pretty straightforward fit. The little spring steel fingers go under the ball so you have to spring them open just slightly for it to slip in place. The top of the ball should then be against the cup in the clutch arm. It does come back off somewhat easily. But once held in location by the TOB on the input shaft and against the clutch, it can't move much and should stay in place. There should be a little grease there, but only in the actual cup. Any more isn't doing anything. Normally comes out of the package with some on it, which is adequate. Since it's not spinning, it should stay there. Some guys slather grease on the TOB which isn't a good idea.

[cv2065]

M-7548-A is the right number for the Ford Performance TOB. I've used it several times and seems like a good piece. Not sure about the problem getting the clutch arm to fit onto the pivot ball. Usually it's a pretty straightforward fit. The little spring steel fingers go under the ball so you have to spring them open just slightly for it to slip in place. The top of the ball should then be against the cup in the clutch arm. It does come back off somewhat easily. But once held in location by the TOB on the input shaft and against the clutch, it can't move much and should stay in place. There should be a little grease there, but only in the actual cup. Any more isn't doing anything. Normally comes out of the package with some on it, which is adequate. Since it's not spinning, it should stay there. Some guys slather grease on the TOB which isn't a good idea.

Thanks for the reply Paul. I’ll play around with it and worse case scenario, I’ll get a replacement fork. Didn’t think about the TOB holding it all in place once installed.

By the way, the pivot ball screwed in very easily into the bellhousing. I put some threadlocker on it and firmed it up. Doesn’t really want to tighten much after it’s flush. Is this typical? Was careful as it’s aluminum.