Did I mess this up?

[Old_iron]

I finally installed the 350 into my truck last night. The trans (sm465) was already bolted into the truck.
This is my first time ever working with a manual transmission, so I am 100% new to all of it.

Details:

• 350sbc
• Cast iron bellhousing number 3925505
• Matching pivot ball and cast clutch fork that came with the above bellhousing (removed from another same-period truck).
• TOB from Rock Auto: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=1051401&jsn=2

The first photo shows it fully retracted as far away as I can get it, then the fork while it's in that position.
The 3rd shows it moved as close as it will go by hand. The 4th and 5th show the fork when it's in that position.

Once everything was in, I noticed that the throwout bearing seems like it's not very close to the pressure plate fingers. Did I do something wrong? Will it work like it is?

[kwmech]

Looks like there is something wrong with the pressure plate. The fingers of the diaphragm should be pointing towards the bearing.

[Old_iron]

Originally Posted by kwmech

Looks like there is something wrong with the pressure plate. The fingers of the diaphragm should be pointing towards the bearing.

They were pointed like that before I put it on. I noticed that not too long after I got the bolts started, the pressure plate contacted the clutch. Tightening the bolts the rest of the way served to further push the pressure plate against the clutch, and making the fingers not stick out.

Could it be the wrong pressure plate? Please help!

[LockDoc]

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I agree that something doesn't look right with the pressure plate. Could you have the clutch disk in backwards? It should be marked on the hub "flywheel side"

LockDoc

[AussieinNC]

I suspect the release bearing is the wrong height...see attached pic...

https://www.classicparts.com/1938-75...ctinfo/90-205/

The early bearings up to 75 were 1 7/8" tall...the later ones were only about 1/1/4" which appears to be the height of yours.

The fingers of the pressure plate all look good to me...make sure all the bolts are tight...

[Old_iron]

Originally Posted by AussieinNC

...make sure all the bolts are tight...

I torqued them to the proper specs. Brand new bolt set.

Originally Posted by AussieinNC

I suspect the release bearing is the wrong height...see attached pic...

https://www.classicparts.com/1938-75...ctinfo/90-205/

The early bearings up to 75 were 1 7/8" tall...the later ones were only about 1/1/4" which appears to be the height of yours.

Bummer. I need to get the part locally, does anyone know a generic auto parts store PN for the longer style?

[AussieinNC]

The release bearing you have installed is for the three finger Borg and Back style pressure plate...its only 1 1/4" tall....

https://www.classicparts.com/1951-84...ctinfo/90-211/

It wont work with the diaphragm style clutch you have...pull the trans or engine and swap out the bearing...

Have fun!!!