Broken Bell housing fix sort of

[Sergey]

Hello,
a while back my truck bell housing cracked. Was asking about how to deal with it

Sad day and clutch (I thought...)

Hello, had a bad day, if not worse. First the clutch pedal in my old truck just dropped and stays there (photo 1). Couldn't drive without a clutch, was towed. Upon initial inspection discovered the issue is worse than I could comprehend (photo 2). Any ideas how to get old truck running within a...

www.oilburners.net

Search for a replacement bell housing took so long, and even if found I won't be able to pay for the labor.
Also, while truck was sitting overwinter it was discovered that bell housing not just cracked, it crippled, bits fell on the ground, and even clutch fork jumped out. photo 1

With that in mind decided to use a hack instead - steel bar with a half-ball head bolt to replace the missing pivot point. Yes I realize it is not a proper repair. But implementing this fix did not require removing anything, and cost me only two 7/16" bolts to buy in hardware store. Remaining material was found in scrap metal pile. Mock up was made from wood, then a couple iterations using aluminum model. Final all steel part on photo 2.

Photo 3 shows it installed. Works well so far. Truck is now running, clutch fully functional. Did not take to highway yet, a bit worried how strong my part is.

Any concerns or some hidden dangers I need to know driving with this hacky fix ?

Thank you
Sergey

 

[nelstomlinson]

That's clever, and might be stronger than the original. If it works on the back roads, I expect it will work on the highway.

 

[XOLATEM]

That is one nifty fix and I will copy that if mine busts out...(heaven forbid)...It should hold up just fine and now you have another clutch adjustment point.

Good Job..!

 

[Rdnck84_03]

Only I would recommend is using a piece of angle iron or stitch welding strap onto that to make it into angle or channel to reduce the center flexing.

James

 

[Black dawg]

That is pretty cool.

This is how I reinforce them when they are cracked or to avoid cracking. I just use a bolt to tighten up against the back of the stud in the bell. Have a few out there that I reinforced this way when cracks were noticed, 10+ years ago with no changes in the cracks.

 

[ROCK HARVEY]

That’s a really clever fix! The only thing I could see causing problems is if the radius of the pivot ball doesn’t match the radius of the pivot fork. It could wear out pretty quickly. But then again, you can easily adjust the pivot ball to account for any wear, and it’s easier to grease now than it was stock. Well done!