41 60 special manual shift yoke to clutch rod

[mr41cadillac]

to clarify im trying to see how to connect the clutch yoke that has the spring made on the end of said yoke,  to the rod with the big nut with the groove made on it.  I cant get the nut round part past the spring. I don't want to bend or break the spring . so the question is am I correct in where the big nut with the groove goes? and if so how do you do it? thanks john 

[Jay Friedman]

I may be able to help, but it's not clear to me which parts you are referring to.  Would it be possible to take a picture or two?

[Jay Friedman]

I read your other postings and now I think I understand better and have a solution for you.  I believe what you are calling a spring on the end of the yoke (also called the clutch fork) next to the hole in the yoke, is really actually a type of clip with one end being in a "C" shape.  This clip or spring is hinged at the other end (away from the hole in the yoke and away from the "C" shaped end). 

You can rotate the clip / spring at its hinged end away from the hole in the yoke.  Insert the nut in the hole and rotate the clip back so that the "C" end fits in the groove in the nut.   Now adjust the nut until you get about 1 inch of free play at the clutch pedal inside the car.  (Check the shop manual instructions on this adjustment.  It's 1 inch on my 49 and may be different on a 41.)   

The purpose of the clip is to keep the nut in contact with the yoke whether you adjust the nut in or out. 

[mr41cadillac]

thanks jay. the problem is my clip is riveted or welded. i can bend it back somewhat but don't want to break it. does the nut unscrew from the round part ? ive soaked it in pb blaster. if it will separate it wont be a problem to insert the round part under the clip with the nut on the other side of the clip. is that how it goes ?thanks for figuring out my explanation previously. john 

[Jay Friedman]

John,

I have a diagram of how these parts are assembled.  I don't have an electronic copy so I'd have to make a photocopy and snail mail it to you.  Email me privately at jaysfriedman@yahoo.com with your snail mail address and and I'll send it to you .  Also, the fork (or yoke), the large nut and the rod the nut is screwed onto were the same on Cadillacs from 39 or 40 till 49, so it shouldn't be too difficult to find another if yours is defective for some reason.     

[mr41cadillac]

jay I don't have a snail. anyhow the nut with the round end looks similar to a wheel lug nut but im hoping it will seperatw so I can insert the round part under the c clip john

[mr41cadillac]

jay you were right. the clip on the end on the yoke does rotate. after lubricating it got thr nut in and the clip in place on thr groove on the nut, the rods on and the free play adjusted . thanks john

[Jay Friedman]

Glad it finally worked out.  As I mentioned earlier, the next step would be to adjust the nut so you have 1 inch or so free play at the clutch pedal inside the car.  This is important, especially with Cadillac clutches made by the Long Manufacturing Company, which I believe your 41 has.  This type of clutch has little centrifugal weights in it which apply greater pressure as engine rpm increases.  If there is not enough pedal free play it can cause the clutch to slip and wear even more than with other manufacturers' clutches.