Source for best clutch fork for 1966 L79 327/350.

[Rich G.]

Need a clutch fork. Need the best, not the cheapest. “Ears” bent on the old one.

Thanks

Rich

[Gary B.]

Rich,

In my opinion, you can’t go wrong buying a GM clutch fork. Joe Lucia has posted that “1964-E66 used fork GM #3844493”. And “L1966-81 used fork GM #3887177”. GM 3887177 was the service replacement part for 3844493. You can find NOS examples of 3887177 on eBay.

Gary

[Rich G.]

Thanks Gary. My car was built in early February. I know from a seat belt buckle identity it is considered early. I didn’t think about that regarding the clutch fork. The one that failed (I don’t know its history) had the small tabs or “ears” that I guess keep it in the TOB, bend.

Rich.

[Gary B.]

Rich,

The definition of early is not consistent from part to part. I’d call a February car a middle of the year car. Not early and not late. Regardless, the 3887177 fork would work. And they can be readily found.

Gary

[Rich G.]

I see the service replacement is the part called out for late 66 (as you pointed out in your first response) but it didn’t stick to my brain. Looks like there are plenty available on eBay. The work is being done by by my trusted mechanic. This is beyond my ability at my age but I wanted to be able to point him in the right direction when he sources the part.

Thanks again

Rich

[Mike M.]

what bent the ears on your fork? have never seen bent ears on throw out forks UNLESS a super sprung pressure plate, like the scheiffer's of the 1960's was installed. mike

[Rich G.]

Mike

I will try to get a picture. This clutch was replaced last year and it was supposed to be “correct” for the car, not anything special. It did not feel like it required excessive pressure to operate. I also did not look for a part number on the fork. It’s still with the mechanic. Perhaps it was not the best quality. After the long weekend I’ll see if I can do that and also get the p/n of the clutch.

Rich

[Gary B.]

Rich,

I don’t think you’ll find a part number stamped on the fork.

Gary

[Duke W.]

I'm not sure what you mean by "ears", but a lot of clutch release forks, actually the bearing retainer, get damaged due to improper installation of the release bearing. Post a photo of the damage.

Years ago John Hinckley posted sketches on proper installation. Make sure your mechanic understands. A lot of them screw it up. Don't spread the retainer to install the bearing... just slide it in.

Duke

[Leif A.]

Correct, new replacement fork is available from Zip, and others.

https://www.zip-corvette.com/64-81-clutch-fork.html

image.png
Correct installation of throw out bearing in clutch fork...
image.png

[Gary S.]

I have a used one, vintage and early/late is unknown, that you can have for the cost of mailing. I can take a picture of its details later if you want it. It is most certainly used but appears to be in good shape. I picked it up at Carlisle a very long time ago but don't remember its heritage.

Gary
grumpa72@gmail.com

[Rich G.]

Thanks for all that info. Especially the installation picture.

[Joe L.]

I see the service replacement is the part called out for late 66 (as you pointed out in your first response) but it didn’t stick to my brain. Looks like there are plenty available on eBay. The work is being done by by my trusted mechanic. This is beyond my ability at my age but I wanted to be able to point him in the right direction when he sources the part.

Thanks again

Rich

Rich-----


The GM #3844493 and GM #3887177 are virtually identical; I do not think that anyone could discern one from the other, especially when installed on the car.

One other thought: as previously mentioned, the 3844493 was replaced by the 3887177 for all 1964-66 SERVICE and for L1966-81 PRODUCTION and SERVICE. You don't think that GM made the change because the 3844493 worked just as well as the 3887177? Whatever the difference was, they did it for a good reason.

Attached are photos of both a 3844493 and a 3887177. The 3844493 is a used example with a broken bearing retainer.