clutch slave/release fork issue

[cb97angler]

I have a 74 fj40 and blew out the slave, so i just ordered a new one, had a hard time getting the hydralic hose off, but once i did, i got it re installed, bled the system and tried the clutch and it was super stiff so i pressed a little harder an it blew the slave again. I got under and started playing to see what the deal was, and my question is how much movement should there be in the release fork?? mine has about 2-3 inches forward back movement with no resistance and it doesn't feel stable at all and at the stop point feels like it is completely extended? ANy help would be appreciated, I don't have any experience with clutches so I have no idea how hard you have to push release fork to make it work, would it feel like it is at the stop point and that is where it actually starts releasing through hydraulic pressure or can you move it some by hand. thanks

 

[Mr. Toad]

Is your return spring hooked up?

 

[cb97angler]

it's not, but i don't think there was one before, the guy who had my rig before me half a...sed alot of stuff and i don't think there was one, is that spring the only tension to return the fork to where it should be?? never had an issue until the slave blew 2 weeks ago. like i said there is alot of play in the release fork, is that normal??

 

[antFJ]

yea haven't measured it but i bet there is about an inch on the input shaft for the throwout hub to move back and forth. its probably fine - if you are really worried you can take off the bottom cover of the bell housing and do a visual inspection to make sure nothing looks out of place