Update: CZP Pivot Ball Issue So run into a pretty annoying issue that I don't believe anyone was aware of before regarding Clutch Pivot Balls. I purchased this kit from Coz: http://conceptzperformance.com/Cart/description.php?II=6708&Car_Type=300&UID=2011120719590459.101.17.6 Turns out according to Coz, hes run into this issue a long time ago. He didn't mention how it was solved back then. He suggested to hold on while they sort out an issue. He had a Gearbox taken off and tested the same Pivot Ball he sent me and said it went it perfectly fine. He offered the explanation that our JDM Gearboxes must have a different thread to the US counterparts. I'm not sure why anyone hasn't reported this issue yet so I decided to do a bit of a write up on it for those curious. Coz suggested he could have a sleeve made up to suit and to stand by while he works on a solution. I decided to see if I can get a sleeve made up locally here. What a headache... sorry in advance about the quality of some pictures. Only had my phone on me, I didn't think it would turn into such an ordeal. The problem If you look at the last picture, you'll see why it was incredibly difficult to make up a sleeve to have the different sized Pivot Ball fit. The 'bolt' thickness of the two was extremely close which cause the sleeve at it's thickest point to only have just approx 1mm of meat. The weakest point would have less then approx 0.1mm, thats where our sleeves kept failing when it came time to tap a thread. All ze Failed attempts... 3 hours later... success! Finally caught a break using a slightly different method. Instead of using a bolt as a 'pre-thread' sleeve, a solid chunk of steel was hollowed out, threaded on the outside with the Lathe, then threaded on the inside with a threading tool. The first line of thread that would go in was bent inwards 90 degrees, and with long nose pliers taken into the Gearbox that way (much similar to the way a heli-coil is inserted), rather then turning it by hand putting much strain on the very fragile sleeve. End result is a perfect very tight and very hard fit. Now upon further investigation, as another member reported sucess using a Pivot Ball from Z1, I decided to see which Pivot Balls Z1 was offering. They are these two plus a kit, but I'm pretty sure the kit comes with the Chromoly one. And aftermarket one to be used with an upgraded Fork & the original OEM one. Both of which appear to have the smaller thread designed for US Gearboxes. Which leads me to believe (speculation, no firm confirmation yet) that US Gearboxes and Aus-Spec Gearboxes both use the same smaller thread and JDM Gearboxes use the larger thread or it could be year related. No one seems to have any further information on this. Z1 Chromoly Pivot Ball http://www.z1motorsports.com/product_info.php?products_id=1721 Z1 OEM Clutch Pivot Ball http://www.z1motorsports.com/product_info.php?products_id=676 Z1 Upgraded Clutch Release Fork Assembly Kit http://www.z1motorsports.com/product_info.php?products_id=5119 To sum up, I'd strongly recommend if you looking to purchase an upgraded Pivot Ball & Fork, to take your Pivot Ball out first and check the thread, if you have the smaller thread. Go right on ahead, if you have the larger thread... I got some bad news for you... My fall back idea was to drill out the existing thread in the Gearbox, go up to the next size which would have been 14mm, Heli-coil, then make up a thicker sleeve to suit. I wanted to avoid altering anything on the Gearbox first. Hope this helps any that are curious. MoulaZX
I have also upgraded to the 350z clutch release fork when i did the auto to manual conversation i purchased it from z1 thou did not hear of any problems like this from Andrew "ASR" who Installed it for me. Maybe you got the odd one that was threaded wrong by the manufacture or there would be a lot of un happy customer of coz around the world experiencing this same issue. I prefer to use z1 because of there customer service and a bad experience using coz which stuffed me around. Think it was 3 months my car was stuck in the shop waiting on a part pcv hose kit, if they told me in the begging they were out of stock I would of got my money back and got it from z1 in 3 days Z1 :thumbup:
Never had a single issue with Coz before. Anyhow, I can't definitively explain the difference in thread size. I don't think its its been modified, it looks OEM, both the Pivot Ball and the thread on the Gearbox. I'm all ears to someone who can explain it...? MoulaZX
Clutch pivot ball was upgraded for last gearbox supersession. New pivot ball is stronger than previous and also has a different thread size as you discovered. This change took place in late 96 as far as I can work out from TSB's.
...that raises more questions then answers. 1. Does this means I have a 96+ Gearbox? Logic would suggest the thicker one being the stronger one... 2. How does it fit with the fact that Coz has only had one other case? 3. Is this across USDM, JDM & Aus-Spec? 4. Got any links I can read? MoulaZX
Can you see any markings on your gearbox that suggests that it's a later model 'box? Your gearbox bloke said it was in pretty good nick, yeah?
Yea, he said internally everything was still in good condition, minus how dirty it was on the outside... heh... Some vague stamps here and there, other then that...? See for yourself. I still have the original 18MP shots if higher resolution is needed. MoulaZX
Gearbox serial # should be on the top of the bellhousing: From that, one of the genius' with FAST should be able to give you the rest of the info you seek, and we can get to the bottom of this once and for all.
Nothing there mate. Just checked again. Not even shades of what might have been punched on and later taken off. MoulaZX
1. Does this means I have a 96+ Gearbox? Logic would suggest the thicker one being the stronger one... Clutch pivot balls generally break just below the ball, not at the thread. Later box uses the smaller thread 2. How does it fit with the fact that Coz has only had one other case? No idea but that is just what the vendor says who is trying to sell you stuff so take it for what it is worth. 3. Is this across USDM, JDM & Aus-Spec? Yes, all Z32 4. Got any links I can read? No, most things were paper only back then. You may be able to find driveline TSB's online somehwere. Never looked.
Thanks for the answers, Eric. Given the above, how would you explain my circumstance? Could it possibly be an '89 or '90 model? MoulaZX
No, your box takes a larger thread pivot ball, ie early type. Your new pivot ball thread is smaller, ie late type.
Here you go Emile, you don't need to go to the states for everything http://justjap.com/store/product.php?productid=18382&cat=&page=1
