Newbie need info

[viet68]

Just bought 97 crew cab/4x4/5spd. one of the things I'm working on are the speed control, doesn't work, checked fuses and all good. Any ideas. Also clutch goes almost to the floor before engaging. I need to know best to put in and where to buy. It turns over a little slow when starting. I put in 2 new batteries didn't seem to help. Starter maybe? All I've owned before were dodge 12 valves.

[Patrick Feeley]

Before replacing the clutch, make sure that the clutch master cylinder rod and associated bushing are good and not ovaled out. You can also check the brake/clutch pedal box mainshaft bushings to see if they are worn as well. Those are the major culprits for your clutch system. You also want the make sure that the clutch interlock switch has not been jumpered (will the truck turn over without the clutch being pushed in?) as that will affect Cruise Control. Cheers!

[madpogue]

Well, the cruise switching is a separate circuit from the starter lockout; that switch is, in effect, two switches in one. Jumpering would have the opposite effect; if the cruise contacts are jumpered, the cruise would work but would NOT interrupt with the clutch pedal. But now you mention it, if there's a LOT of slop in the bushing at the pushrod, it could be to the point that the cruise contacts don't close when the pedal is all the way up. (Cruise contacts close with the pedal all the way up; starter contacts close with the pedal all the way down.)

One cheapo fix is to cut a piece of 1/2"OD x 7/16"ID brass tube stock, and use it for a bushing*, then put a 7/16" drill stop collar on the end of the "knob" that goes through the eyelet. The more elaborate fix is a Heim joint that replaces the eyelet on the pushrod (requires cutting the eyelet off). Search eBay for something like "Ford clutch heim joint".

*Edit - I couldn't find this stock, so I "stacked" two pieces of tubing for an effective ID of 7/16" and OD of 1/2".