Barillaro Speed Emporium Muscle Z-Bar Kit - How To Install A Muscle Z-Bar

The clutch equalizer shaft bracket is removed next. Two bolts are removed using a 1/2-inch box end wrench. These bolts cannot be seen, which means doing it by feel.

The factory clutch equalizer shaft (also known as the Z-bar) is removed next.

Here's the factory clutch equalizer shaft assembly. The two-hole bracket fastens to the framerail beneath steering column. The empty end sits on a pivot stud screwed into the block or block bracket. Muscle Z-Bar uses the stock bracket and pivot stud.

The stock nylon bushings are removed...

...from the chassis bracket and engine pivot stud.

The Muscle Z-Bar assembly includes felt seals, which keep dust and dirt out of the spherical pivot bearings, which take the place of the original nylon bushings.

The Muscle Z-Bar is installed as shown, with the stock bracket returning to its original location.

Anti-cease is used on the Heim joint threads for easy adjustment in the future.

Here's the Muscle Z-Bar clutch release rod installed and ready for adjustment.

The clutch return spring has been installed. Adjustment comes after clutch pedal pushrod and Heim joints have been installed and adjusted.

Installation varies from car to car. In this case, our clutch pedal pushrod was not parallel with the equalizer bar. Mustangs Etc. just happened to have a Thermactor smog pump shim in stock, using it as a shim on our clutch pedal pushrod and equalizer shaft to get the rod parallel.

Adjustment begins by getting the Heim joints (rod ends) so the pedal is at rest at the stop. Underneath, adjust the clutch release rod so the release bearing doesn't touch the clutch fingers, yet it releases at a comfortable point in pedal travel.