Damn dogbone cable again!

Has anyone had a problem with these (86 and older TC's) ?

I'm talking about the short (2-3" long) cable that connects the pivot arm to the clutch fork, outside the T5. It has a 3/8" diameter steel ball on either end of a 2" long braided wire ... see pic------>

Mine broke yesterday. Same thing happened to me 2 years ago, in the same place, and it stranded me in the same town, and I walked to the same place to call for a ride. Strange!

Anyhow, the original cable lasted for 14 years, then the replacement lasted less than 2. I'm debating carrying a spare in the trunk, as it's only a five minute job to swap them. But it blows when your clutch pedal drops to the floor and you've got nothing ...

For those who haven't seen the cable, it's a $10 piece of junk that doesn't seem to like me. What did I do to it?

Has anyone replaced this with threaded rod? I may try this when I get some spare time, and post the results.

Phil, I have heard of others saying they carry a spare. I have no idea if the threaded rod thing would work or not but it's worth a try.

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88 TC X 2, 86 SVO, Main TC with K&N, 3"DP to 2.5"duals through Dynamax, Ric valve at 17+ and disconnected KS.
Elite Bodega 16" chrome wheels. Autometer pod w/ A/F and Vac/boost gauges.140 mph Motorsports Speedo New engine: Total Seal rings and TRW pistons, ported and polished head w/ cc'd chambers,1.59"exhausts, SS valves, gutted upper, knife edged lower, A-230 cam, Race Engineering Adj Cam Sprocket, Crowlers, ARP head studs, and rod bolts. Walbro 255 HP pump and Kirban adj FPR, T-3. Centerforce II, KB subs and jack rails.

I carry a spare in the '83 & '85. Next time you don't need to be stranded though. Put it in 2nd, hit the key & go. Near impossible to downshift but get the RPM's right & you can upshift.

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Dave
'83TC
'85TC
'87TC
'90SC

You know if you could get a threaded rod to work, It would also be a chaep way of adjusting the clutch! I will have to check this out!

Oddly enough, you can get going from a standstill by giving it some gas and pushing the shifter towards first gear. The car will creep forward, and eventually you'll be going fast enough to match up first gear. I was ok, except I had to stop for a red light at an incline and couldn't run it.

Last time this happened I made it 20 miles by powershifting, but I wonder how man times I can get away with it.

Hopefully the rod will work. The adjustment angle is a great idea.