Wed Apr 03, 2019 9:53 pm by cornbinder89
Ok, the way I see it, the brake lever just is using the clutch shaft as a pivot, and is not connected to it in a solid manor.
Theoretically, that same shaft would fit in a #2 bell as well. the shaft is not part of the bell, but part of the clutch operating mechanism. The hard part I foresee is that uses a multiple disk clutch set-up and not the more common single or double disks used in later automotive style clutches.
If you are going to replace the engine with a more modern, say RD 450, you would be changing to a more modern type automotive clutch, no? You wouldn't be reusing the multi disk clutch, and there is a lot to be said for pulling the RD and trans as a unit and fitting to you Firetruck. The modern truck clutches be they either pull or push use a shaft and replaceable fork for the throwout bearing. The fork has a shaft on either side that rides in bushings in the Bell. You just need to either adapt you present shaft, of make one that is long enough to allow for the brake arm pivot. Any small machine shop can make up the shaft to adapt your pedal set up to the RD (or whatever engine/clutch/trans) bell and trans.
I think it would be simpler to stick with whatever 4 or 5 spd trans came on the donor engine, as it doesn't look like the fire pump is in any way direct coupled to the trans.
On modern clutches, the shaft for the side without the lever attached is the same for all trucks using that trans set-up, the shaft for the side that does have the actuating arm is unique to the truck mfg and model. It is just a piece of shafting with either a spline or a woodruff key slot cut into it.
If you are changing out the engine, I don't see a reason to keep the old trans either. It will just make the whole thing harder to get working together.