To shim Pivot ball or Not to shim

[rich3389]

I just put in my rebuilt tranny, now OEM TOB, fidanza flywheel and XTD stage 4 clutch. Now the car wont shift when the engine is running, the clutch wont disengange, and yes I had the Clutch pedal assembly welded and is adjusted correctly.
The question is, should I just put in a new pivot ball and clutch fork without shimming the ball, or should I shim it even with a new ball and fork? I already have to drop the trans AGAIN and I dont really want to have to do it a third time.

 

[Calan]

Having to shim the pivot ball or use an extended slave rod is a bandaid for an alignment problem or worn parts. A new fork and pivot ball should do the trick, if everything else is good.

Did you check the flywheel step height?

*****

It seems that I drop my trans once a year whether it needs it or not.

 

[rich3389]

Its a new clutch, and the flywheel I got from a friend that was slightly used in great shape though, I know for a fact that when it was in his car he had no problems, so I am just gonna assume that the flywheel is the correct step. Would it hurt to throw in 1 washer under the pivot just incase?

 

[Calan]

...so I am just gonna assume that the flywheel is the correct step. Would it hurt to throw in 1 washer under the pivot just incase?

You own a DSM and haven't learned not to assume anything?

Since you'll have it apart anyway, just measure the step height and BE SURE. If it's correct, that's one more thing eliminated.

BTW - the step height is usually around .608"-.610", but you may need to check on it for your specific clutch.

EDIT:

Here is some info on measuring step height:

http://www.roadraceengineering.com/clutchandflywheeltech.htm