440 steering clutch info

[Jaybird]

OK 440 project coming along. Installed new reverser and assembled front end. Now on to the steering clutch. Right clutch makes a weird popping noise when stick is pulled all the way back. I took final drive off today. Thought I could figure it out. I think the cam might be over extending and snapping back. Would this be an adjustment fix?
I also need to know how to tell if clutches need replaced. Every thing looked pretty good to me. Any body have any thoughts?
Many Thanks,Jaybird

[Lavoy]

Yes, popping noise is clutch lever coming back to far, can be different reasons, adjustment is primary reason.
My general answer is how to tell if clutches need to be replaced, is if the final is off. If yes, then yes. I hate pulling finals, more so on a 440. Half the work is done, fix them while you are in there. Any oil contamination, they are junk, replace, and fix source of oil.
Lavoy

[Jaybird]

Thanks lavoy .Is there an easy way to adjust the linkage before I put everything back. I hate working through those holes.
. If the adjustment on the cam is all the way out are clutches worn? The tube that the throw out bearing is also sticking out past the bearing .. Is this correct?
Jaybird

[scampr]

The JD tool( i think its a #7) is well worth it to adjust the clutches. Without it its a crap shoot I think... Its simple to use.

[Lavoy]

The popping noise is related to external adjustments, so no difference there. But, if the final is off, you should look at everything that rotates, slides, adjusts, etc. Clean and anti-seize any of the above that you see to make future adjustments easier.
Clutch is shot if the throwout bearing is at the bottom of the carrier, IE closest to the transmission. The fingers on the pressure plate move out (get taller) as the clutch wears.
Tube may or may not be correct by your description, little hard to diagnose without a pic. Make sure the end of the tube is not belled, make sure you can slide the throwout bearing on the tube with 3 fingers once the set bolt is loose, if not see above.
Lavoy