Pielut's Hydraulic Clutch Conversion

Spent some time recently updating my clutch system. Some of you may remember my custom clutch linkage I made with a chain and sprocket, similar to Advance Adapters. See post #165 66 CJ5 Rebuild
This chain linkage functioned very well but it came with drawbacks. The biggest issue is when you would get twisted up in rocks and the chain didn't move. I've been stuck a few times because I couldn't use the clutch and there was no way to move forward or reverse.
This conversion has been on my to do list for quite some time. I first spotted this idea a few years back on this site and after looking at a few pictures I decided to build my own.
The master cylinder and slave cylinder come from Wilwood. Master is part 260-15098 and Slave is part 260-1333. Overall this was an easy mod and the first few test drives are great. The clutch is considerably easier to operate over the chain system. This design eliminates any connection between the body and frame. No way for the system to fail because of twisting between the two.

I have a T18 tranny and it has an access plate on the driver side. I removed this plate and made a new one from 1/4" cold rolled steel. This will become the mounting point for the slave cylinder








First step in making the mounting location



More plate added and TIG welded




Now to work on the Master cylinder. I drilled a 3/8" hole in the pedal arm and made a custom "U" shaped bracket.



I made a simple bracket that welds to the frame along with a long gusset to help support it.



All mounted, painted and ready to go. I bought the shortest piece of 3/8-24 brake line and bent it up. I had a custom stainless steel braided line made here in Phoenix for the connection between the two units.

 

You sir are a great welder. I would think you should convert to swinging pedals while you are at it. You have the skills to do it.

 

Very nice work. I had that same setup for a while but had fits wearing out the hydraulic pull type slave from speedway and then wilwood. They were both aluminum. I also had fluid bypass around the both of them eventually limiting the stroke of the slave. I finally cured it all by mounting a cable, 60" long or so, to operate the clutch. I think it's from an early 70s Jeep. I bought a spare and have never used it, no issues at all.

 

I was just telling Steve from Steve's 71 project about doing this exact thing to my jeep. I got some sand in the clutch cable on the beach over the weekend. Please up date us on how it works. Can you take a pic of the clutch master cylinder with the pedal depressed all the way?

 

Lookin Good!

 

Due to the design I'm only getting about 7/8" of travel. Originally I was concerned that it wouldn't be enough, but it's working well so far. The Master/Slave have 1.250" of travel.

 

That is super cool!!!

 

Any thoughts on making a guard or shield to protect it?

 

It's crossed my mind. I've been through some hairy spots wheelin' and I've never hit the frame in that area. The gusset on the bottom does provide some protection.

 

I like it. Great job. Please keep us posted on how it is working and if you are happy with the conversion. I may do the same thing.

 

Updated the design a bit. The built in reservoir makes it difficult to service. Not sure why I went with that design to begin with.
I ordered a new master cylinder and remote reservoir. Very easy to change over and much easier to service.

 

Very interesting and creative design.