Clutch/Input Shaft Upgrade

[Termn804]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to get some advice for a clutch install that I am about to tackle.

I have seen multiple threads on these topics, but it appears I cant find the same information twice.

Long story short, I am installing a RXT 1000 with a 26 spline input shaft. I am looking for a quality input shaft that doesn't require shimming. It appears the D&D input shaft is the best bang for the buck and doesn't require shimming? Can anyone confirm this? Should I spend the extra money on a Tremec? It seems liberty gear suggests .000-.004 in and out play and many input shafts require shimming.

Also, I purchased the Mcleod adjustable pivot ball. I have read everywhere from 5mm-8mm shorter than stock height. I am doing this job on the garage floor with some jack stands so I would have to raise and lower the transmission multiple times. Could anyone offer any good measurements for the pivot ball? I seen a lot of people complain about the high pedal on RXT installs, but it appears they aren't using the correct measurement on the pivot ball or using factory non-adjustable. Should I get an adjustable quadrant and firewall adjuster?

Lastly, while the transmission is out I will be doing the head cooling mod by cobra engineering. Is there anything else recommended to do while I am in there? I thought about replacing the rear main seal.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am also open to any tips or tricks. While trans is out I plan on doing the anti venom mod as well.

Parts being used:
MCleod RXT w/ Aluminum Flywheel (26 Spline)
Mcleod Throw Out Bearing Retainer
Mcleod Adj Pivot Ball
Ford Performance Throw Out Bearing
Ford Performance High Load Pilot Bearing
Ford Performance Clutch Fork
Ford Performance Clutch Cable
D&D (or) Tremec Input Shaft

 

[Blkkbgt]

The only thing I can offer is to get yourself a Harbor Freight transmission scissor jack. It's a little speedy for HF but 100% worth it. It makes removing and installing that heavy T56 far easier than balancing it on a floor jack.

 

[01yellercobra]

None of the input shafts can guarantee no shimming. Differences in the case casting as well as machining make it impossible to make two identical cases. Hence the shimming. It's not bad really. You just need a decent dial indicator.

Same thing with the pivot ball, what works for me may not work for you. I think I set mine to 6mm shorter. I only dropped the trans once. And I did it on jack stands on my back. It's not that bad with the removable bellhousing.

 

[Albatross]

Here is a tip for the pivot ball adjustment. Take both clutches and fully assemble them on a bench. Make sure the pressure plate is torqued to the flywheel to bring the fingers all the way in on each clutch. Put a straight edge on top of the pressure plate fingers and measure the distance from the table top to the top of the pressure plate FINGERS. The difference between the stock clutch and the McLeod will be how much you SHORTEN the pivot ball. I did it this way and it was good to go on the first try. I ended up shortening mine 8mm.

There's a picture of what I'm talking about to give u a better idea of how to do it. The McLeod will be taller by 5-8mm usually. I hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[Termn804]

The only thing I can offer is to get yourself a Harbor Freight transmission scissor jack. It's a little speedy for HF but 100% worth it. It makes removing and installing that heavy T56 far easier than balancing it on a floor jack.

Definitely purchasing one from HF or one from amazon. Will be much easier than manhandling it out of the car.

 

[Termn804]

Here is a tip for the pivot ball adjustment. Take both clutches and fully assemble them on a bench. Make sure the pressure plate is torqued to the flywheel to bring the fingers all the way in on each clutch. Put a straight edge on top of the pressure plate fingers and measure the distance from the table top to the top of the pressure plate FINGERS. The difference between the stock clutch and the McLeod will be how much you SHORTEN the pivot ball. I did it this way and it was good to go on the first try. I ended up shortening mine 8mm.

View attachment 1727853

There's a picture of what I'm talking about to give u a better idea of how to do it. The McLeod will be taller by 5-8mm usually. I hope this helps. Good luck!

I have seen this idea a few times and I will going this route for sure. Is that a aluminum flywheel you used? I purchased the RXT kit that comes with their aluminum flywheel (P/N 6335807M). I also intend on taking measurements where the fork sits currently before removing the trans.

 

[Albatross]

Is that a aluminum flywheel you used?

Yes. It's the whole kit that included the aluminum flywheel. Same kit that your installing.