Clutch Fork Retaining Wire (Bale Wire)

[AGShelby]

Have sourced a new retaining wire. Does it go behind the clip on the back of the mounting tab, or does it rest against the "ears" on the mounting tab, with the clutch fork held in place by the throwout bearing ?

I ask because I believe that it goes behind the tab, but cant figure out how to get it on while pre-mounted on the fork (it's too short to fit over the tab) and cannot get it through the holes on the fork while pre-mounted on the tab.... any quick hints ?

 

[Buldozer]

It is a balancing act. The original wire is spring steel so it can be slipped behind the clip with one side in the hole on the fork, then the other side can be popped into place...and it will hold like that. If you are using wire with no memory such as bailing wire...it is harder, but can still be done. The trick is to bend one side so it will not come out of the hole in the fork, slip the wire behind the holding tab, then pull it through the other hole in the fork and bend it over so it will not fall out. It is a PITA, but can be done because I have done it dozens of times. The other thing you can do is get a piece of really stiff wire with memory like the original wire. Here is a couple pics of one I did as described above but you can't really see much. Good luck.

 

[AGShelby]

Thanks -

That is what I figured. I bought an original-type (repo) wire - I think it is shorter than the original. I put it up for the night...long day and need a beer.

 

[TN1776]

Pardon my ignorance... but where exactly does this wire go? I am not seeing it in the pictures posted. I'm just curious.

 

[AGShelby]

Wire location

Pardon my ignorance... but where exactly does this wire go? I am not seeing it in the pictures posted. I'm just curious.

It is inside the bellhousing. It mounts through holes in the clutch fork, and fastens to a tab that is riveted into the bellhousing.

From what I understand there are two types of forks. One that requires the wire (as discussed here).

The other type has a clip that is on the fork. The fork mounted clip fastens to another tab that is mounted to the inside of the bellhousing.

 

[thegreatjustino]

I am confused as well. I have replaced clutches and transmissions several times over the years and there is nothing holding my clutch fork in place inside the bell housing. There is a metal pivot piece inside the bell housing that a groove on the clutch fork pivots on, but I can literally pull my clutch fork out of the hole in the bell housing. Essentially pulling it off of the throwout bearing. Am I missing a part?

 

[AGShelby]

Retaining Wire

I am confused as well. I have replaced clutches and transmissions several times over the years and there is nothing holding my clutch fork in place inside the bell housing. There is a metal pivot piece inside the bell housing that a groove on the clutch fork pivots on, but I can literally pull my clutch fork out of the hole in the bell housing. Essentially pulling it off of the throwout bearing. Am I missing a part?

Mine didn't have a wire, either. But...it was an abandoned vehicle that has had a hard life -

I am playing it safe in putting one back on as I re-assemble it as I don't want to have to pull the trans again later if there is an issue. There is no way to get to it if it turns out to be needed, and it is a relatively small item to put on while it is apart.

 

[Buldozer]

Yea you are missing something Justin. One type had a big spring clip rig you could not miss and the other type has two little holes right in line with the pivot crease you referred to...and that is where the little spring like wire goes. No biggy to leave it out IMO. I always fight with them an hour getting them in and most of the ones I take apart do not have one. The fork stays in place when hooked up but can come dislodged fairly easily without the wire or spring clip....It is really a waste of time putting them in, but I always do it anyway.

 

[thegreatjustino]

Wow, can't believe for as many times I have taken that part of my Bronco apart I didn't know that the clutch fork was held in by something. You learn something every day I guess.

 

[AGShelby]

Got it in...

Went out to the garage this morning and popped it right on - guess it pays to wait until another day when you are frustrated. I have disassembled the clutch linkage and repainted - waiting for the paint to dry and then I will install all new bushings and put it back in the truck - then pop in the engine.

 

[feitctaj]

Just don't ask me how I know this-- don't order one from Tom's they don't know what one is they will send you a clutch return spring and when you call and get an OK to return it ( cause you found one local) they will only give you a $5 credit on THEIR mistake

 

[Buldozer]

Just don't ask me how I know this-- don't order one from Tom's they don't know what one is they will send you a clutch return spring and when you call and get an OK to return it ( cause you found one local) they will only give you a $5 credit on THEIR mistake

Not too surprising, as I went to a half dozen parts stores a few years ago looking for one and you should have seen all the different things they brought out to sell me! Got frustrated and went home and cut off an old spring and made myself one. Never tried shopping for this part again...just make them out of some type of wire with memory IMO.

 

[AGShelby]

Retaining Wire Source

It is in the Bronco Graveyard book - that is where I bought mine. Little high priced for a small wire, but I bought it along with the bushings to rebuild the clutch assembly. It may not be completely necessary, but am trying very hard to take my time and do everything right - not cutting any corners.

It is in there now and holds the clutch fork right in place on the pivot. Works as it should ...

My cleaned, repainted and rebuilt clutch assembly is very nice. The bushings were completely shot and the rebuild should make a world of difference.

 

[Smokeater11]

Does anyone have a picture of this mystery wire? I'm with Justin on this one, I've never seen one. I probably had the 3 speed out of my '77 F150 10 times and never used one, but I never wheeled my F150. If this little spring thing can be fabricated it might be worth putting it on.

 

[Tito]

Wow, can't believe for as many times I have taken that part of my Bronco apart I didn't know that the clutch fork was held in by something. You learn something every day I guess.

Haha, I have never seen one either. Interesting!

 

[Smokeater11]

This is what it looks like. How it goes on I have no idea, I'd have to go and look at it.

 

[feitctaj]

First install it with the two ends of the bail through the inside of the clutch fork, with the bail being able to pivot at will.
take the fork with the inside of the fork towards the transmission and against the pivot point, use your finger under the bail and try to get it over the little nipple ( I can't think of any good term for it) on the back of the pivot point. After several dozen choice words you got it.