Clutch Z-bar question

[69 Short Fleet]

Are there 2 different clutch "Z-bars" (that pivot between the block & frame)that were made for our trucks? The PO switched out the I6 to a 283 and I think reused the original Z-bar. The engine in its furthest rear position (closest to the firewall). With the Z-bar I have it aligns the brake pushbar (one that goes through the firewall) off-centered and the pushbar rubs on the top of the hole in the firewall. And does anyone have a pic of the two side-by-side to help clear this up for me. I'd like to get the proper one. Thanks Doug

['68OrangeSunshine]

Yes the L6 Z-Bar is different from the V8 Z-Bar. One is longer that the other. Can't remember which, L6 -- I think.

[hotrodmtodd]

First, I want to make sure I don't step on any toes here. Sunshine has given me suggestions in the past and he is a VERY knowledgable guy. I will add what I know to his remarks. Through sheer persistance, I have gained quite a bit of info on this subject recently. The 6-cyl z-bar is 5 3/4 wide, takes a u-shaped bracket on the engine that has bolt holes 3 1/2 inches apart. The frame bracket sits to the inside of the frame rail, and the rod from the pedal is straight. SB & BB z-bar is 6 3/4 wide, SB takes a flat bracket on the engine that bolts to 2 holes that are 5 1/8 apart that are normally reserved for the pivot ball in car applications. The bracket moves the ball forward 1 1/4 inches to line up with the frame bracket. BB takes a curved bracket that goes around the oil sender hole and bolts to the aft pivot ball hole and to a smaller hole forward of the sender and below the front pivot ball hole (for cars). They both have the frame bracket to the outside of the rail, and they both take a rod from the pedal that is s-curved at the end where it meets up with the z-bar. The angles of the arms on the z-bars all look relatively the same. I hope this gives you some idea of what you have and what you need. PM if you have other questions. Take care, Mike

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by hotrodmtodd

First, I want to make sure I don't step on any toes here.

Don't worry about me, Buddy, I've always got my steel-toed wingwalker boots on when I work on the engine.
I did crawl around under the '71 Jimmy K/5 to measure my only example of a V8 Z-Bar. I got about 7". But this is a 4x4 application, and there is no bracket on the engine block side. A special ballstud screws into the side of the block directly.
Also measured the old Z-Bar that was on my truck for lo--these 30-odd years --and it was 5-13/16ths" wide.
So I guess I was 180* out in my guess which was the bigger Z-Bar, V8 or L6.[At 3 AM my dyslexia filter gave out.] Good catch, Todd.
Doug have we thoroughly confused you yet?

[dubie]

I have my 350 in the inline 5 position and was able to use my inline 6 Z bar. I made up a plate welded the pivot ball to it then bolted the other end into a hole near the bellhousing using lock washers. Works like a hot damn. I got the idea from GMC Paul, he did this on one of his trucks that has over 500,000 miles on the same plat set up.

[longhorn71]

I have the V-8 z bar here if you need one.

[69 Short Fleet]

thanks for all the help guys. longhorn71 dean, i'd be interested in buying it how much do you want for it? i will try to check the width of the round part + the distance between the arms on it today but it will take some time jumping into the engine bay as i sliced open my finger yesterday, 6 stiches, sorry my typing is bad, lol. i don't have any brackets on the engine side of mine, it goes directly on the block stud ball on the engine side and on the frame side has a nut that goes on the bolt part of the z-bar and it goes on a small factory bracket , rivets hold it on the frame rail. iwill be installing a new clutch soon so i'd like to have the linkage correct, + the fact i can't get the firewall clutch rod rubber boot on the way it is now. doug

[longhorn71]

Pm sent

[68 Stepside]

Wow Tim, an inline 5?!?! I'd like to see pics of that!!!

[69 Short Fleet]

dean, pm sent, thanks, doug

[hotrodmtodd]

Yeah, you 4X4 guys have it easy, you get to use the pivot ball hole like normal humans. Us 2WD guys have to use a stupid bracket! If you notice, I don't even mention anything about 4X4 in my sermon because I don't even know what color the SKY is in 4X4 World! But I am learning from Bisquik65! (thanks Erick) Take care guys, Mike