help identifying part

[spenceman72]

While removing my headers this morning, specifically the drivers side header, I had to remove a part from the engine to allow the header to drop through. This part was connected to the bottom back drivers side of the engine and was connected to an arm of sorts that runs through the dash and seems to go behind the instrument cluster. Can you guys help me identify what this part does? Also a 'bolt' fell onto me, looks like a wing nut, but doesn't actually screw on to a arm. Sorry for such a terrible description here, hopefully the pictures will tell more.

[Lee H]

That's the clutch linkage, also called the bell crank.

[spenceman72]

Thanks Lee-it didn't seem to be fastened to the motor at all..just basically slid over the nob coming out of the motor..that seem right?

[Lee H]

Is your truck stick or automatic? If auto then leave it off, it was a stick shift at some point in time. If It's a stick..............

[LockDoc]

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That is the way it is supposed to be. If you don't put it back on your clutch won't work... The "wing nut" slides on the end of the rod and pushes against the clutch arm.

LockDoc

[spenceman72]

It is a manual..4 speed with granny gear.
I love this forum and its members so much. 1 month ago when I purchased the 72 blazer I had only changed oil once in my life. Now I've changed oil, alternator, break booster, removed headers and learned what a clutch linkage is!
Another question or 2..
the 'wing nut'..so this goes on the forward side of the bracket in the picture with the springs attached to it, correct? so 'arm-wing nut-bracket'? The 'arm' that goes into the bracket with the spring on it is threaded at the end..either I lost a nut or perhaps no nut goes on this?
Another question-when I press the clutch down it does 'pop' maybe 1/3 of the way down..almost like it gets slightly 'hung up' on something each time. Everything shifts just fine, it's just the clutch isn't very smooth. Would replacing this clutch linkage help you think?

[yuccales]

Your "wing nut" should look like this. Sorry for the bad pic.

[spenceman72]

great, thanks everyone..and thanks Yuccales for the pic! Is there a nut on the other side of the bracket, or is that arm just help in place by force?