Clutch pushrod - still struggling

[sstone69]

Few weeks ago the upper clutch push rod broke on my 1969 - 396 3 speed. I thought I had found one at USA 1 Industries. Finally, got the part yesterday and it turns out that it is the straight rod version.
Any thoughts where I can get one of these? I had posted a WTB, but there doesn't seem to be much traffic over there.
Any suggestions to attract more attention to the WTB section?

I guess I can find someone to weld it back together, I was hoping to find a replacement part. I have called around to junk yards near Atlanta no one seems to have one or they don't want to take the time to check.

There is a Rod End Clutch Linkage Kit at LMC (page 124) part 32-6162. Does anyone know if this would work?

[Lee H]

A weld might hold for a little while but will likely leave you stranded some where. As far as the classified section, there's lots of traffic there. The person that has the part has just not seen it yet. Your best bet to to go to a pick-a-part and get one, super cheap and you know you got the right part.

[BucksSS]

I have one, well I don't have it right now because I loaned it to the guys at Lokar for a R&D project, but I could probably have them ship it to you instead of sending it back to me. It's out of my '68 6 cyl/3 ott, do you want me to try and set it up?

[sstone69]

That would be great BuckSS !
Apparently, there are two kinds of push rods. The one I need is offset, it is not straight.
You can see the offset in the picture.
Around Atlanta the bone yards you have to pay to get in and most of these trucks have been picked over pretty good.

[RichardJ]

It doesn't give you pause to see that the LCM part you referenced is for all applications and USA 1 sent you a straight rod?

Your bent rod looks home made. Looks more like the Z-bar is the wrong one or mounted in the wrong location. LCM shows a 6 cyl Z-bar and one for V8

[BucksSS]

I have no idea which one I have. He is going to call me on Monday for shipping info so I can have him ship it to you and there would be no shipping charges or I can have it shipped here and post up a picture. I can let you know more Monday afternoon.

[lts70]

Thread each side of the rod with the appropriate size threading die and then use a coupler (long Nut) to connect the two halfs. I have done this a couple times with great results.

[sstone69]

Okay, let me try to get a picture of the Z-bar. Maybe that is my problem, I may have the wrong Z-bar. I have the service manual and it doesn't show the details of this push rod. I assumed it was the correct push rod and Z-bar considering I have been driving it this way for 2 years now.
Can anyone tell me if this push rod is supposed to be offset , like the one I have?

BuckSS - I probably will take you up on the offer if I think it will work, thank you !

[SS Tim]

You really should have posted this where you first asked the question. There I gave you a parts beak-out showing that the 68 6cyl 3ott is different. Guys pick this up around post 17.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=545110

Here are the applications I pulled out of the service manual. Two part numbers, 3889915 and 3907877. Since the second is for BBC and A.I.R.(smog tubes) applications it stands to reason it is bent for clearance. As far as LMC being an end all reference has me ROFL. Their pictures are nice but they really don't address variations well if at all. In this case the bend area is sectioned out of the drawing.

The rod, to me, looks like it had a progressive failure and the history of a broken stud ball would support that. The ends of the rod should be co-plainer and that gentle bend below the dog leg probably should not be there. Straightening the rod halves and welding at the break point should make a correct rod. Then welding a pair of half sleeves through the fracture area should make this problem go away.

As far as the universal kit working it is straight as well.

[sstone69]

Thanks SSTim, I didn't post it back there because it wasn't my original post. At the time I was just commenting on my struggles with the push rod and Z-bar.
And I did recognize the different part numbers that you posted.
I do agree with you about LMC, I have bought several items from them and have been satisfied, but some of the pictures in their catalog are incorrect (horn button).
I guess I will try to find someone who can weld this back together.

[southern parts]

i think i have the piece that you need. i`ll check tomorrow. Woody

[Tom Vogel]

FWIW, I have the same rod on my big block setup as you have pictured in your post.
Posted via Mobile Device

[bobs409]

Have you checked ebay?

[gmc 2500 4x4]

ebay item #150928729150

[southern parts]

here`s what i have. the parts with the red paint are not for sale but just to show you what yours should look like.

[sstone69]

Thanks guys ! Southern Parts I have sent a PM.

Thanks GMC 2500 4x4 ! That is what I am looking for. I had looked about 2 weeks ago, but didn't find this one. Fredonia NY , I am originally from near that area of NY. Forestville , S. Dayton.