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equalizer bar (z-bar) problem
Posted: October 21, 2010, 10:19 am
by cosmo
I changed my 300 out for a 351 and am keeping the manual transmission.
everything "fits" but the Z-bar is now higher at the engine bushing than at the frame bushing. According to the FORD truck manual, the bushing mount at the frame is the SAME for 300s and 302s (in 1969). Hoever there was a different engine side bushing mount for the 360/390.
It seems like I can raise the frame bushing mount about an inch to make the z-bar work, but I dont know if this is the proper thing to do.
Does anyone have any experience with this issue?
thanks
Cosmo
Posted: October 21, 2010, 11:03 am
by Uncle Skip
Personally, that's what I'd try.
Put a spacer under the frame piece.
U@ss
Posted: October 21, 2010, 2:05 pm
by Fanatic
Seems to me that I have seen a few smallblocks with 2 bosses on the block for the bushing. Don't know if I imagined this but might be worth a look.
Posted: October 21, 2010, 2:26 pm
by jmf66
You want to be sure that the final position of the bottom rod is so that it is pushing straight on the clutch fork (in line with the trans). In other words, if the zbar is too high, the rod will push down on the clutch fork instead of straight back. This will cause wear on the bearing retainer and possible binding.
Posted: October 21, 2010, 2:51 pm
by ICEMAN6166
300/302 use a ball screwed into the block,
the rest have bolt on brackets with the ball welded on.
the ball pivots must be in line on both sides.
not all z arms are the same nor are all the brackets and lengths of pedal rod
since 302s were not offered in trucks until later it is possible one of those items needs to be from the donor year truck.
Frame mounts
Posted: October 21, 2010, 3:53 pm
by bluebolt
Did you swap out the 3005 six frame mounts for 302 mounts? If not that's why its sitting high.
Answers..
Posted: October 21, 2010, 6:31 pm
by cosmo
I did use new 302/351 mounts that I got from Flash Back F-100s. The screw in ball is from a 302. I did use solid motor mounts from Bronco grave yard...perhaps they are causing the engine to sit a little high....on inspection they look the same as the stock motor mounts. If the 351 did indeed use a bracket I'll buy one, I just need to know
Posted: October 21, 2010, 7:17 pm
by MadMaxetc
300 uses a stud in the bell.
302 uses a bracket on the bell.