brake and clutch pedal adjustment fix.

[rustystud]

As anyone knows who has driven a deuce the clutch and brake pedals are really high. So if you have bad knees like me it can be extremely difficult at times to get on top of those pedals. So today since I was on a roll I took them off and ground extra mounting notches on them 1" apart. This way I can lower them a total of 2" if needed. After I finish installing my new floor mat I'll reinstall them and see how they work out.

 

[bachman502]

Pretty smart! I like that idea. Always thought they were pretty high myself also. Nice work

 

[Valence]

I already like that you just didn't cut it, but instead left it adjustable. More work for sure, but can always be restored if it doesn't give you enough pedal travel. Do you think that too little pedal travel is a possibility?

 

[clinto]

Wait, how many notches did they have before you added more?

 

[rustystud]

Wait, how many notches did they have before you added more?

There was just the one. I measured when my clutch became disengaged and the brake was at full travel. Both allowed me to take off 2" from the pedals. I though about going to three notches and will if I need them.

 

[rustystud]

I already like that you just didn't cut it, but instead left it adjustable. More work for sure, but can always be restored if it doesn't give you enough pedal travel. Do you think that too little pedal travel is a possibility?

I measured them both before adding the notches.

 

[clinto]

There was just the one. I measured when my clutch became disengaged and the brake was at full travel. Both allowed me to take off 2" from the pedals. I though about going to three notches and will if I need them.

That's the reason your pedals were so high......... your truck is either an 87-89 USAF truck or it's had those or M35A3 pedals swapped into it.

All the older trucks (1951 through at least 1984) had pedals with 3 notches.

See: http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?82965-Extended-height-M44-pedals&highlight=

 

[rustystud]

That's the reason your pedals were so high......... your truck is either an 87-89 USAF truck or it's had those or M35A3 pedals swapped into it.

All the older trucks (1951 through at least 1984) had pedals with 3 notches.

See: http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?82965-Extended-height-M44-pedals&highlight=

I thought there was something about this 1988 Air-Force deuce ! I got the idea of notching my pedals from my 1954 REO deuces.

 

[rustystud]

This is something I knew nothing about. I never knew the military went to longer brake and clutch pedals for the women coming into service. I left the Marines in the early 1980's and I remember I didn't have any trouble lifting my feet to get to the pedals. Here I was thinking I'm so fat and my knees are so shot now I can barely lift them up to the pedals ! This newer style pedal is over 2" longer then the original ones. The last groove I added just reaches where the original pedals grooves start ! I took off the pedals from my parts 1954 REO deuce today and cleaned them up. I think I will just install them back into the truck instead of those long morphadites that are there now.

 

[m715]

My truck is a 1976 ex air force and I need to mod mine. I also need to trim 5 inches from the door opening as my left leg no longer bends.

 

[rustystud]

My truck is a 1976 ex air force and I need to mod mine. I also need to trim 5 inches from the door opening as my left leg no longer bends.

Boy I sure know about that knee bending stuff ! That is the knee that was replaced and it is a pain to clear that web support
on the door. If I knew I could cut it out without weakening the structure I would do it in a heart beat !

 

[m715]

Rusty I dont have a choice, I have to trim it. That and mod my clutch peddle so its lower to the floor. I also need to find a smaller steering wheel. I think the cab is plenty strong for the way I will drive. I also had my knee replaced twice by the V.A. now it hardly bends and hurts like heck.

 

[rustystud]

Rusty I dont have a choice, I have to trim it. That and mod my clutch peddle so its lower to the floor. I also need to find a smaller steering wheel. I think the cab is plenty strong for the way I will drive. I also had my knee replaced twice by the V.A. now it hardly bends and hurts like heck.

I'm due for my second knee also. They said it would last for 15 years as long as I didn't work on it. Well I still needed to make a living so it got kneeled on, a lot !
As far as lowering your clutch pedal goes, if it has never been moved you can lower it almost 2" more ! I plan on installing my old 1954 REO's pedals instead of the original 1988 ones. I don't want 4" hanging down from the lever.

 

[m-35tom]

It is not that hard to add air assist clutch and full air over hyd brakes. I can push my clutch in with one finger and lock brakes with the other. Pictures on my web site.

 

[rustystud]

It is not that hard to add air assist clutch and full air over hyd brakes. I can push my clutch in with one finger and lock brakes with the other. Pictures on my web site.

I like the pictures but how did you do it ? Especially the air over hydraulics.

 

[m-35tom]

I mounted the air brake pedal assy from a 900 series on the firewall with reinforcement. I used the dryer and air/hyd setup from a UD box truck. Same for the clutch. Look up the plumbing for any truck that uses this system, UD, GMC-65, etc.

 

[yolner]

I mounted the air brake pedal assy from a 900 series on the firewall with reinforcement. I used the dryer and air/hyd setup from a UD box truck. Same for the clutch. Look up the plumbing for any truck that uses this system, UD, GMC-65, etc.

Could you post some more details like what years/models you grabbed the parts off of? The only big truck I've ever messed with is my M35 so this UD stuff is brand new to me and I'm not seeing too many good results on google.

 

[m-35tom]

UD is Nissan, just have to look around scrap yards and see what is available that has air over hyd brakes

 

[mhb285]

Rusty I dont have a choice, I have to trim it. That and mod my clutch peddle so its lower to the floor. I also need to find a smaller steering wheel. I think the cab is plenty strong for the way I will drive. I also had my knee replaced twice by the V.A. now it hardly bends and hurts like heck.

Hi,
Went with the smaller 5-ton 18" steering wheel......... much better & stock... --- about $200........... even better after loosing 50lbs....

 

[dmetalmiki]

Had I followed doctors advices, After x rays, and consultants appointments, and subsequently the recommended Knee, and Hip replacement, I would have quit the hobby.."". 'years ago'. He did say that " you will certainly NOT be able to do what you are doing now".
Well, Every health pill and capsule (relating to joints etc (known to man))later..And also Much Gradual and Increasing exercises later. Still doing my hobby, and can function nearly as much as I have always done. Maybe I am lucky, but it does take ongoing determination and perseverance with (the) regular exercises (and pills!) to maintain that acquired strength and flexibility. I am however also Very Very thankful.