Symptoms
A sloppy clutch, trouble selecting first, or linkage that pops apart. Jeep-CJ.com members say the plastic bushings wear out, and that worn motor mounts can break the pivots.
The fix, step by step
- Check the motor mounts first.
- Remove the bellcrank, replace the bushings and ball studs (or the bellcrank), grease it and reset the clutch free play.
- A forum fix replaces the worn bushing with a ground-to-fit solid rod with welded-in bolt pivots.
- Some owners convert to a hydraulic clutch when engine torque keeps pushing the linkage out of the throwout lever.
Tools & part numbers
- Wrenches
- grease
- bushings or bellcrank
- motor mounts if worn
Where to buy the parts
CJ clutch bellcranks and bushingsQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
CJ OEM-replacement motor mountsQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.