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A. A. Chain Clutch Control Vs Clutch Cable?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by SoCalNickG, Jun 10, 2020.

  1. Jun 10, 2020
    SoCalNickG

    SoCalNickG Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Whittier, CA.
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2017
    Messages:
    347
    Just looking for a seat of the pants opinion from those who have switched from the clutch control cable to the A. A. chain control. How much easier is the chain system? After reading another thread about the replacement cables from Inline Tube I started wondering just how much easier the pedal is using the chain system.
    I have a 71 CJ5 with the stock (stock style?) cable for the clutch. My wife likes to drive the Jeep but not so much the clutch pedal.
     
  2. Jun 10, 2020
    iharding

    iharding Quitter

    Tacoma, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2013
    Messages:
    354
    I have the chain setup and it makes the system simpler but the clutch pivot is still old and worn out. No real change to the feel for me.
     
  3. Jun 10, 2020
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    Apr 28, 2011
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    5,407
    AA chain set up . doesn't replace the cable clutch system used in the 71's
    only the one's that still use a pivot cross tube between transmission/'transfer case and frame rail
     
  4. Jun 10, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2003
    Messages:
    3,323
    I have an AA Chain on my 71. I rebuilt the pivot shaft prior to installing and that made a huge difference. I would never go back to a cable, the chain works great and is much easier to operate. I forget when I put it on but it has been a while and takes very little maintenance. Before going to the chain I had trouble depressing the clutch pedal.
     
  5. Jun 10, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,170
    I've never had a later Jeep with the cable clutch (other than my Vega cable when I put the 215 in my Jeep), but do have the chain control in my '66. I like the AA setup because its simple and effective, with a good feel.
    -Donny
     
  6. Jun 10, 2020
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,466
    Buschert chain control at 4-1/2 pounds vs Jeep cable control at 4 pounds.
    [​IMG]
     
    Rubicloak likes this.
  7. Jun 10, 2020
    boopiejones

    boopiejones I can’t drive 55

    California east bay
    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2020
    Messages:
    545
    I added the AA chain to my 56 a couple months ago. I would say it makes the clutch about 25% easier to depress (might even be closer to 50%). The other very noticeable change was how much smoother the pedal travel is now.
     
  8. Jun 10, 2020
    cayenne

    cayenne Member

    central Texas
    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2006
    Messages:
    276
    I like mine AA chain setup, other than it binds up when I am on a very steep incline or twisted. It can put you in a real tough spot when the engine stalls due to incline and you can't disengage the clutch. be aware I did a 4 speed conversion so I don't know if stock has the same issue.
     
  9. Jun 10, 2020
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2007
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    3,559
    I really think the AA system is worth while upgrade. Mine had a ton of slop in the linkages that the chain system corrected. I did notice (and others have as well) that the clutch was more sensitive. The Chain system lost some of the mechanical DIS-advantage hence easier to push - and now more sensitive. Here is a whole thread I started on the topic.... Overly Sensitive Clutch Read a bit then You can skip to the last page where I feel like I corrected the problem. I'd love to hear from others who do this modification. It will be super simple to undo if you don't see an improvement.

    Overly Sensitive Clutch
     
  10. Jun 10, 2020
    boopiejones

    boopiejones I can’t drive 55

    California east bay
    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2020
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    545
    Thanks. I haven’t noticed mine being too sensitive, although my perspective may be flawed as the last manual vehicle I owned was an 88 mustang with an extremely sensitive clutch.

    it makes sense that by drilling a hole lower on the tab it would require more pedal travel for the same amount of clutch fork movement; hence less sensitivity.

    Did this modification also make the clutch a lot harder to push down?

     
  11. Jun 10, 2020
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
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    Jun 5, 2007
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    Not significantly harder at all
     
  12. Jun 11, 2020
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Tulsa, OK
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    Jan 8, 2012
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    I have the AA chain setup on my 71, it works much better than stock. I beefed up the pedal return spring to keep from breaking my ankle on the floor board because the system is so much smoother.
     
  13. Jun 11, 2020
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    Apr 4, 2010
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    Seems like I've read this before, anyone else have this problem?
     
  14. Jun 11, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2003
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    I have never had that problem with mine.
     
  15. Jun 12, 2020
    termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Mason, MI
    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2002
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    4,418
    Never had an issue with mine binding, but havent really wheeled much with it yet. I have had the stock linkage bind. Might be the remaining bits from the stock pivot tube that are binding?
     
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