the only thing I didn't replace....

[gigem75]

was the clutch pressure plate and throw out bearing on my recent engine rebuild. Was told by PO that it had been done not that long ago and it looked fine and worked great up until today. I did have the flywheel resurfaced and new disk was installed because the old one was highly scored by flywheel that was not resurfaced when that work was done.
Driving home today about half way home there is an extra two or so inches of play in the clutch pedal, then more then more, then almost to the floor, then a really bad ratcheting sound from the clutch. Made it to the lake road and fortunately my brother was heading back into town. He towed me home. Got the car up on stands and yep the clutch fork has tons of play. Something has obviously let loose in a big way. Car still starts ok so I'm fairly certain the ring gear is still there. maybe a spring? If I screwed up on the reassembly (other than not getting a new T/O bearing and pressure plate) is there a common reassembly mistake made by some? I'd be glad to take suggestions.......
thanks in advance.

1970 T, stock

[john walker's workshop]

70/71 usually either breaks the ears off the trunnion or the fork pivot ball breaks, allowing the fork to rattle against the p/plate.

[gigem75]

it's usually the simple things..... got home around three, engine/trans on floor at five. It's a lot quicker for me to take the rear wheels off.

The bolt that holds the fork pivot in had worked loose. Never did anything with that, should have checked it though. That explains all the oil on rear of engine. Everything else looks fine.

Well at least the engine is out to retourqe the heads.