2001 LB7 ZF6 speed clutch pedal failure

[FinnDiesel]

2 days ago, driving my '01 Duramax LB7 ZF6 manual along being a little robust with shifting, my clutch pedal suddenly twisted down to the right while pushing on it.
I had to pull over. I went upside down and managed to push the pedal straight - it turns out the pivot 'bolt' plastic spring loaded mechanism gave way. Strange how such a strong workhorse gets a plastic clutch pedal - the most used pedal of the 3.
Anyways - I want to correct the utoob videos showing removal from under the dash - you do NOT need to take the dash apart.
The FRONT of the top bracket needs to be pushed down from the engine compartment side and it pops right out.
In the videos, they are trying to bring the angled BACK (closest to driver) down first by removing dash components!

[FinnDiesel]

Oh, I guess I should qualify the truck for those who haven't seen my build thread - it is a factory '01 GMT800 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax LB7 ZF6 manual trans setup - floor pan, firewall and frame grafted to a 1958 GMC 3800 panel truck body.

[EVRLET]

They sell metal clutch pedals. Check KB Diesels

[FinnDiesel]

Thanks Evrlet. I just placed my order for one. Great products.

[4793]

You have a very nice project going there. I'm wondering how you like the KBD clutch pedal so far and whether you added the Heim joint. A lot of the reviews on their website say they prefer the way the clutch feels compared to the factory setup. I have an '02 with the stock 8.1/ZF6 combination and knock wood the plastic linkage has held up but I've never been quite satisfied with the way the clutch feels.

[FinnDiesel]

Originally Posted by 4793

You have a very nice project going there. I'm wondering how you like the KBD clutch pedal so far and whether you added the Heim joint. A lot of the reviews on their website say they prefer the way the clutch feels compared to the factory setup. I have an '02 with the stock 8.1/ZF6 combination and knock wood the plastic linkage has held up but I've never been quite satisfied with the way the clutch feels.

Thanks 4793.
Finished the clutch pedal install yesterday. Nice metal pedal assembly now.
I bought the heim joint upgrade. Have to cut and thread the pushrod - easy enough on the truck. No disassembly required.
Allows adjustment now. Cool.
I will say, there is NO MORE FLEX in the pedal as before. Mine failed at the springed-pivot bolt. The pedal just folded sideways.

[FinnDiesel]

As I mentioned earlier - No need to take the dash apart. You kinda 'Z' zig-zag the assembly out and down between the front and back and same for install.
You don't have to force anything. Best take the driver seat out to lay on your back.
Whole thing took 3 evenings.

[FinnDiesel]

Couple of neat pics.

[4793]

Thanks. Looking at the head-on photos it's kind of appropriate for the engine from a '01 to be under the hood of a '58, both having that domed look. I have to admit wincing a little bit at the thought of such a nice-looking '01 ending up as a donor truck but I can also see that the nicer the donor truck the easier the project goes.

[FinnDiesel]

Photos showing the shear size of the Duramax and how it fits into the '58 body