Clutch Issues.... help with diagnosis please

[gerfunken]

Ok, I've been racking my noggin on this one.

The set up is with a 350/SM465 tranny. I've played with the clutch linkage (mechanical) and it is still acting like an auto, where with the clutch all the way pressed down, it still drags, and I need to keep my foot on the brake.

Now, before you say linkage..........

Dragging is one thing. But from the floor up, releasing the clutch, it is almost a 2" movement before the clutch "engages" properly, and I can feel the surge forward.

I've gone through the entire linkage, don't see any binding or slop in the components. There's no slippage at all in the clutch when driving. I'm suspecting that it may be the throw-out or the pressure plate, but I don't see any issues when watching through the inspection plate when someone engages it.

Now, I'd love to get to a hydraulic at some point, but that is not an option today........ and I'm not 100% positive that it would solve the issue I'm having either.

[rlb67]

Sounds like a pressure plate problem to me. Or, could be the pilot bushing too tight, but that probably would not make the truck to try to pull, just be hard to get in gear.

[OhioDan]

Is the pressure plate old or new? Sounds like you might have a collapsed pressure plate? Or a weak pressure plate? Had one that wouldn't completely release the clutch plate when pedal was depressed. Replaced clutch and pressure plate, and everything worked great. While yer at it, replace the throw-out bearing if ya put a new clutch in. Just my $.02.

[gerfunken]

well, the clutch was replaced when I dropped in the new engine, so it's only about 4 years old. I don't drive the truck much, so it's only got about 10,000 miles on it... guess I know what I'm doing tomorrow...

[100%Chevy]

Might be a little "sticky" from sitting.
Sounds like your lower clutch rod is a little short,not pushing far enough.
Correct Z-bar?
Wrong throw-out bearing?
Mike.