So took my M38A1 downtown

Deadguy · Post by **Deadguy** » Fri May 08, 2015 11:40 pm

and got stuck in stop and go traffic. A 40 minute ride turned into 2+ hrs. Just as I was arriving at my destination, it seemed like the clutch was slipping. I would put it in 1st, and it would very slowly move forward, if I hit the gas, it would rev higher, but no go faster. Same with second, but not as bad. Finally I parked it and went to the fight I had tickets for. I then had dinner, and came back to the vehicle about 2 hours later. It started right up, and I had no problems most of the way home. When I was almost there, it was driving normal, but it sounded like someone put rocks in a washing machine. The more I sped up, the louder it got. At a stop, with the engine running, it was normal. Does anyone have any opinions on this?

ROBCDN3 · Post by **ROBCDN3** » Sat May 09, 2015 5:21 am

Sorry to hear about your trouble. If the tranny shifts and the engine rev`s I would be looking at the clutch or pressure plate. On the center hump forward is a removable plate, Take this off and under it is another plate on the top of the bell housing. Remove this cover and checkout the clutch parts and pieces. Hope this helps. Rob M38A1 CDN3 C.

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Sat May 09, 2015 5:47 am

Adjust the clutch linkage. It could be too tight and the rumble is your throwout bearing going. Sounds like clutch slipage. John

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Sat May 09, 2015 6:33 am

As John states, maybe the cable is set too tight check that there is some free play in the clutch pedal travel before resistance is felt. Should be about 1" of free throw before it hits.
I can't imagine all of the sudden this being out of adjustment though, unless it was always set wrong after your build. If it is, your throw out bearing is probably toast. How many miles have you put on since it was put back together?

Deadguy · Post by **Deadguy** » Sat May 09, 2015 9:54 am

I put a new clutch and throwout nearing in there maybe 10,000 miles ago. I just checked, and free play before it engages is less than 1 inch

Deadguy · Post by **Deadguy** » Tue May 12, 2015 12:06 am

It;s been running fine the last few days. I talked to my mechanic friend who works on vintage jeeps, and he says these old clutches aren't made for stop and go traffic. I might have temporarily heat glazed it. Any opinions?

Tembek · Post by **Tembek** » Sun May 17, 2015 10:24 am

Saw this in some old CJ2 correspondence. Could it be related to your issue?

REAR AXLE WEDGES - On the Model 2-WD and the Model 4-WD, 3 degree Axle Wedges, Part No. 645777, have been installed between the rear springs and the spring seats on the axle to raise the front end of the axle. This change aids in elimi- nating clutch rattle experienced in some vehicles, by giving a more direct drive thereby reducing drive line noise. Two Part No. 645776, Axle Bumper