I have had 4 or 5 GS and Skylarks over the years, removed, installed plenty of motors but all had automatics. This is my first 4 speed car. Muncie is already out. I have never dealt with z-bars, clutch springs etc. What is the best order in removing the 4 speed components? and any tips to make sure it all lines back up when re-installing the engine? Thanks
Take pictures and make notes. Other than that the spring should come off first and the rest should come apart as needed to remove the engine.
Use a line up shaft for the clutch and pressure plate. For the Muncie, buy two extra mounting bolts with the same threads. The correct length is not important. Cut off the heads and screw these into place in lieu of the top bolts. Use these two headless bolts to support the Muncie while you reinstall the input shaft where the lineup shaft was. Once the bottom bolts are in remove and replace the headless bolts and with the originals.
Instead of buying bolts you have to cut, why can't he get threaded rod or set screws instead of having to behead bolts? Good idea though. Derek
Good ideas, I have had the Muncie out before and took a bit to get lined back up... thanks. Anything else in regards to z bar, clutch fork, springs, linkage etc? I imagine once I get under the car it will all make more sense.
Dont be scared! If you get in a jam, we're here to help you out. I know how it all goes back together without even looking in the book.
Yeah, laying under the car and lining the trans up with the clutch plate and the crank bearing is a lot of fun! Using bolts isn't something that occurred to me, 50 years ago. But I used to bench press (aluminum case) transmissions into place by myself in those days. This explains my back trouble and upcoming carpal tunnel surgery for both wrists...
I used to press up and in Austin Healy 3000 trans with the overdrive units still attached. Muncie's were relatively speaking featherweights. But, the strain and time takes its toll on your body. Plus, I learned to be smarter with respect to how to do it.
So started the engine removal process.... 1st.... z bar bolt head snapped off.... will deal with that a other day. 2nd..... clutch fork spring was attached the front brake line on the frame.. Is this the normal spot to attach the spring? It was originally a manual transmission car from the factory but that seemed odd to me. 3rd... can I buy new gromets for the clutch bar linkage ends? Thanks
My memory is the spring end inserts into a tang attached to the frame or a hole in the frame. Point out the parts you need. Here is a 71 Four speed diagram for reference:
Clutch spring should go into a hole in the frame. The frame side ball stud is readily available and easily replaced so no worries on that. Are you talking about the gromments that look like miniature control arm bushings?
You can use 84-96 Corvette rear sway bar bushings which are the same. I remember Mike Garrison used to sell them. Give him a PM, Im sure he still has them. I got mine from him