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Advance Adapters Chain Clutch Control

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Rich Cain, Mar 17, 2024.

  1. Rich Cain

    Rich Cain Member

    Planning out my clutch setup.
    Does the A.A. chain clutch eliminate the bellcrank by attaching the chain directly to the hole where the clutch rod would normally connect the pedal to the bellcrank?
    I am missing most of the needed bellcrank and control rod parts so it is tough to envision how this all comes together!
     
    Glenn likes this.
  2. oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    Basically a go cart sized driver chain connects direct to the pedal pivot arm. That goes back to a toothed sprocket (attached to frame) which reverses the direction of pull.
    The clutch fork end has an adjustable link.
    IMHO nothing special about your Buschert chain control.
    The aluminum box around it has no real function other than mounting the sprocket to the frame.
    No reason a guy can’t make one from scratch.
    Buy a chain. Buy a sprocket. Make an adjustable connector to the release fork.
     
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2024
    Twin2 and Glenn like this.
  3. Rich Cain

    Rich Cain Member

    So no need to buy the pivot ball, bell crank, spring, and clutch control rod?
     
    Glenn likes this.
  4. oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    Only if you want to go with the factory design.
     
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  5. Rich Cain

    Rich Cain Member

    Great thanks much!
    I can save a few bucks eliminating the bell crank stuff!
     
    Glenn likes this.
  6. Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I had the AA linkage in my CJ for a couple years before I swapped YJ pedals with hydraulic clutch.

    I had good luck with the setup and believe it is a good swap for anyone driving road or light wheeling. I did have some binding issues when the Jeep was in an extremely flexed out situation.

    One common issue is the clutch being overly sensitive. Before (or after) installing check this thread. Basically the first and last couple posts will tell the story.

    http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/140960/
     
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2024
    Glenn, Rich Cain and Fireball like this.
  7. timsresort

    timsresort Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I had not heard that name in a while. Harry Buschert in in the Off Road Hall of Fame.
     
    duffer, Glenn and Fireball like this.
  8. jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Having met him and spoken to him several times, he was a gentleman.
    In his later years he donated time to Cal4wheel and went around visiting business and shops getting them to support 4 wheeling
    as assoociate members not only in CA, but nationwide. When he spoke, people listened.
    The list of legendary Jeepers and off road racers that came out of the Hemet and San Jacinto area of So Cal is mind boggling.
    They were Jeepers, inventors, racers, and generally good folks fun to be around.
     
    timsresort, jzeber, duffer and 6 others like this.
  9. termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Instead of drilling a different hole in the pivot, would a larger sprocket make any difference?
     
  10. Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I don’t think so. It’s the leverage difference between the pedal and the linkage that activates the clutch.
     
  11. termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    I was just wondering if a smaller or larger sprocket would change the amount of chain required to release the clutch. I've got some chain and probably sprockets here at work so if I get a chance later I'll play around with it.
     
  12. Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    In this case the sprocket only changes direction of the chain. On a bike the power is delivered by the sprocket and a larger one gives more leverage.
     
    Fireball likes this.
  13. termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Small and big sprocket both moved equal amounts.
    I was thinking the leverage points where further out so might change the overall amount.

    Today's science experiment...
    No dice
     
    Fireball likes this.
  14. termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    I probably won't be driving the cj untill June or July so I need to pull it in the garage and go thru some oil leaks. I need to pull the trans and see what clutch I have in there.
     
  15. colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    Thanks for doing that, I've been trying to work out in my mind whether the bigger sprocket would make a difference.
    I think the bicycle analogy was confusing me. Like Scott posted, on a bike the larger sprocket makes a difference because it's mounted on the driven wheel (load) but on the clutch linkage the load (clutch) is at the other end.
     
  16. Jw60

    Jw60 That guy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    What scott is saying is that the sprocket on the aa clutch is just an idler. It's tooth count is irrelevant. The chain attachment point on the pedal arm and throw out arm are what matter for mechanical advantage.

    You could throw the chain over a toothless wheel and have the same result.

    Personally I would use two cables and some cams to achieve some mechanical advantage. Pivot the cams off of some studs with a tube.
     
    Twin2 and colojeepguy like this.
  17. termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Yup. I get that part. I was just wondering if changing the sprocket achieved the same thing. In my head I was thinking you had more chain going around that circumference so there was more or less chain movement.

    Not the case as I found out
     
  18. PieLut

    PieLut Member

    Rich Cain, I copied the Advanced Adapters chain system. You can see my build with part numbers here.
    Couple thoughts...I liked the set up and it worked well for mild off-roading. The problem with this design is that the chain system can bind during
    more aggressive off-roading where the tub and frame twist. I had enough twist during one trip that I couldn't engage or disengage the clutch and had to be pulled off the obstacle before I could move again. Something to think about.
     
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