Clutch Z-bar question

[455-4sp-442]

Has anyone experienced this problem....On my 73 442, the bottom portion of the z-bar linkage is starting to twist. It's near the header tubes and I think the heat of the headers and the use of it is warping the metal. I don't use the clutch for shifting only for starting out so it doesn't see alot of action.

[zodiacblue442]

I've been told that if the car gets shifted hard, over time the Z bar twists, cracks, etc. I've never had a 4 speed car so I can't say first hand. I've just been told that the Z bar isn't the strongest thing in the world. Sounds like you aren't abusing your car so maybe it is the heat from the headers. Fusick has alot of repro parts for the manual shift cars. I think they sell new Z bars.

[jimrockford]

This may sound like a silly question, but how can you not use the clutch much?

[mdkingsley]

Use the cluth to start and stop and then you can shift it while the RPMs are dropping without using the clutch.

[jimrockford]

I see- I've always heard tell of that but never actually knew anyone who could do it! : )

[Cutzilla]

That will twist and break from time, but also if you put in a stronger clutch it will happen much faster

[455-4sp-442]

Thanks gang. I never replaced the clutch since I bought it and it is a tough one.
As far as not using the clutch..many guys that drive trucks ( semis etc) float shift (no clutch). One reason is that the gears are so close together ( 10,13, 18 speeds) there is no time to use the clutch in between gears. And there is so much shifting ( I drive a semi locally in Chicago) your left leg would be as big as a house. I shift upwards to 3000+ times a day.

[464 Saloon]

I used to be a semi driver and still have my Class A license. All of my vehicles are manual trans and I drive them all without the clutch