FE / TKO-600 Clutch Problems.

[blykins]

John,

You did well to order up the McLeod clutch. I supply clutches and drivetrain parts to almost every combination out there, including vintage Mustangs like yours.

The first thing I would double check would be if the TKO has the short input shaft installed. That has to be done to let it work with the depth of a factory Toploader bellhousing.

The 11.5/12" McLeod diaphragm pressure plate is a good choice. I would pair it with a 260173 or a 260573 (if you're over 500hp) disc. You can use a 16031 throw out bearing with it and I usually spec a 16932 clutch fork as well. You should have no issues with your setup.

If have any other snags, feel free to post here. There are a ton of savvy guys on here that can lend a hand/ear. Feel free to give me a call at any time as well.

[johnkn]

Thanks Brent,

The McLeod kit I ordered was a 75236. This will be a <500HP project for sure as it's stock-ish rebuilt with stock manifolds, intake, original carb, etc.

I did order the short IP shaft TKO from Keisler and it's reflected on the invoice and the TKO does physically bolt up to the bellhousing, but with all the issues I've had, nothing would surprise me. Anyone know what the correct 'short' input shaft length is from the mounting face of the transmission to the tip?

I'll post when I receive the new kit and measure against the existing non-working SPEC.

Thanks all, greatly appreciated.

[blykins]

The standard length TKO input shaft is about 7". I'm thinking the short shaft is about 5/8" shorter than that.

I would mock it up just to be on the safe side. It's a quick easy measurement to check and if something were askew, the input shaft would put pressure on the thrust bearing.

[johnkn]

Keisler reports that the mating surface of the trans to the tip of the IP shaft should be 6.52". I'll measure everything and take a hard look inside the bell when the McLeod arrives and I pull this thing apart. Boy I hope this fixes the problem.

Thanks all....

[johnkn]

I received the McLeod kit 75236. Opening the box, the overall size of the TO bearing looks small across the back where the retaining clips are (like the non-working SPEC TO bearing presently in the car) as opposed to a stock TO bearing for a 428 CJ with top loader that looks a somewhat wider.

The "U" on the CJ release lever is a bit wider than the standard FE lever. Anyone know if there a CJ specific TO bearing I should use when running a TKO?

The CJ lever looks like it tried to walk off the small SPEC bearing, part of my original problem. I don't want a repeat.

Thanks
.