Clutch Z-Bar Bushing Replacement - Classic Ford Mustang - 289 V8

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Clutch Equalizer Bar Bushing Kit amzn.to/3sQ0xaZ
Clutch Equalizer Bar Frame Bracket amzn.to/2XTKDke
Basic mechanics tool set amzn.to/3ob7q2B
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Alf's Mustang Garage is not responsible for any mechanical or technical error that you may encounter when working on your own car. You are responsible for your own quality control and your own proper repairs.
Today at Alf's Mustang Garage we show you you to replace the worn out clutch equalizer bar bushings on your classic Mustang. The example vehicle is a 1966 Mustang with a c-code 289 and 3-speed toploader transmission. This procedure will be very similar across many old classic Fords as well as other classic vehciles that use mechanical linkage to actuate the clutch.

[@janinedelcamp1941]

I have an automatic tranny in my stang, but I wouldn't miss one of your videos for the world...so much to learn! Thx again!

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Thanks for you're time! I really appreciate it 👍

[@LeeStevens-l3t]

Great video. I was in the process of replacing headers which required me to remove the z-bar. Knowing I had to replace bushings and ran across this video before digging into it. Very helpful how-to information with link to purchase the kit. Thank you!

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Oh awesome I'm glad you found it helpful. And thank you for buying my parts too 🙏

[@randypascarella]

So glad I found this! Got my T5 back in and wasn’t sure how to properly adjust the lower rod. Perfect! Thank you!

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

You're welcome!

[@caleycribb1979]

I have only done a few minor repairs since getting my 66 but this is one of the best repair videos I have used and the first time I was able to do a repair without having to watch 3 different videos just to get it done. Thank you for giving this newbie a confidence boost!

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Oh awesome! Thank you very much. I'm glad it worked out for you.

[@noebanuelos8723]

Dude thank you, all I needed to know. Took me forever to find your video but it was a lot of help!

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Oh awesome! I'm glad you found it!

[@SmackeysGarage]

The Z-Bar is always a pain. Seeing this video is a good reminder for me to check the play in mine.

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Luckily this car has stock exhaust manifolds. There is even less room to work when people run headers on there.

[@banks412]

Alf, if you would have reached the end of your adjustability on the lower clutch rod, what would that mean? Is it time to replace the clutch, or can a longer lower clutch rod be used breathe a little more life into the existing clutch before eventual replacement? Thank you as always for a great video…

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Typically, that's what that means. Modern clutches probably have more life than the clutches from the 60's. So if you're able to figure out how to get more adjustment then it may have a little more time.

[@jordanschultz2232]

Great video! I was swapping in some new headers on my 66 and realized by z bar was bouncing around with tons of play. No bushings in either side and bone dry with cracked up nylon. Bought your kit on Amazon and will be back on the road Monday! Thanks for the info!

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Oh awesome! Thanks! I noticed I sold one of those today so I really appreciate that! Should work that clutch a little better getting all that nice and tight again. Have a good weekend.

[@joshgsx]

Another good video Alf

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Thank you sir!

[@BitesAndWings]

finally someone posted the video that i needed, tyvm mate! god bless you!

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

You're very welcome!

[@TheBigstew5508]

Just ordered. Thanks!

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Thank you!

[@MoXplant]

Great video man, thanks for putting this together

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

You're very welcome!

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

Trying to do this on my 70 and the bracket bolts and engine side pivot are NOT coming out. put an open end wrench on the engine side pivot and it worn budge. i was able to get a half inch socket on the bracket and go up thru the engine compartment with a coupla extensions and a half inch drive ratchet and had zero movement.... Ant ideas? Thanks in advance!!

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Well In my experience with old bolts that haven't been out in a long time, you need to find a safe way to apply some heat. Spraying them in penetrating lube also helps.

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

@@AlfsMustangGarage I managed to get the easier bolt out using a 3/8ths universal and going up thru the engine compartment.... The other bolt is partially under the steering column, so the only tool i can easily get on it is a box end, but i can't apply nearly as much torque on it like the other bolt.... Also, i'm doing this lying under the car---i wish i had access to a lift! I sprayed some penetrating oil on the bolt head and i'll let it sit overnight.... And i'll beat it with a hammer to try to shock the threads---and i'll keep my fingers crossed!

[@jimharper3941]

I found this video really helpful. I am going to check on my clutch Z bar in the day light to see if I need to replace the bushings. Likely will need to be replaced. Thanks so much for providing this information. I am wondering if there is a way to replace the large clutch pedal return spring that lives under the dashboard next to the brake pedal. Any info on that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again. I have always enjoyed your videos and feel they are really helpful.

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Awesome thank you. Glad to hear they are helpful. Check this video out for the clutch pedal return spring. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWnFZGqcgdR8hJo

[@Tekgnome.]

I'm replacing the headers in a 65 cyclone and need to pull the z bar. I noticed the felt bushings were gone with only the washer left and figured I'd go ahead and order your kit. I'm not sure if it works for a Comet but they are the same year and engine/transmission so it's probably the same parts.

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

I would assume stuff like that is interchangeable.

[@Tekgnome.]

@@AlfsMustangGarage They look identical to me. Once I get the kit tomorrow I can confirm it. Thank you for the awesome video on the z bar it's going to make this so much easier. I'm in my 20's so I don't have the decades of experience a lot of these other guys have. I'm just figuring things out as I go.

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

@Tekgnome. Oh right on! I noticed someone bought one of those kits from Amazon. I assume that's you so I really appreciate it! Glad to hear the video was helpful too!

[@Tekgnome.]

@@AlfsMustangGarage Just wanted to report that the kit worked perfectly with my 65 cyclone. The Z bar is physically different from the mustang (the clutch rod portion is on the very end instead of the center) but the bushings, felt, and engine side stud are identical. Again, thanks for the help. The video made it so much easier. Also, My hedman 88400 headers fit perfectly too.

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Very good to know. Thank you for the follow up! Thanks for buying my kit again, I'm glad it worked!

[@davemmustang5038]

Great video !!

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Thank you!

[@thepennyplunderer2854]

Will this work for a 67 mustang i6?

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

The Z-bar and clutch rods are a little different on a 67 six cylinder but the concept of replacing the bushings is the same.

[@thepennyplunderer2854]

​@@AlfsMustangGarageThank you! Can I use the same parts too, or what should I use for mine?

[@mo65351]

Throwing some Patriot tri y headers in my 65 with this clutch assembly. Think this all needs to come out in order to snake the driver side header in?

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

More than likely

[@alexgillespie3489]

👍 👍 👍

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

👍

[@PrescribedFire]

Is there a way to use a roller bearing instead of a bushing? I thought that might make for smoother clutch operation.

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

It would probably be smoother. However, I'm unaware of any other type of replacement for a mechanical clutch actuator.

[@jsl5570]

I'll just reinstall my equalizer bar. I took it off 40 years ago & needed a refresher on installation. Thanks for the video. There are other products available. Here's one example. www.cjponyparts.com/modern-driveline-cable-clutch-conversion-kit-1965-1966/p/CCC1/

[@anthonyparra6563]

Question I want to know if those bushings fit my 1978 ford f250 clutch Z-bar linkage Manual 4 Speed 4x4

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

Probably not. You could probably do a quick search on NPD to see if they have the right one.

[@jaimefloresdelavequia214]

Cable de clutch?

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

No, estos autos tenían conexiones mecánicas.

[@jpmendoza138]

The washer on the block goes on the inside, it's also missing a form piece.

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

It gets a lock washer on the block side as well as a flat washer before the felt washer. And both felt washers were installed here.

[@zavney]

Why wouldn’t you sand blast these parts or at a minimum hit them with a wire wheel. Some shade tree stuff right here

[@AlfsMustangGarage]

They were cleaned in an heated ultrasonic cleaning tank overnight and hit with a wire wheel 👍