Mechanical linkage clutch?

[Spinalguy]

Hi all,
i feel like as i get older i want to tackle more mechanical stuff. Those that know me, know i am pretty mechanically inept
Anyways, i had an oil leak on my CJ. It never leaked last year when stored for winter, but this winter it leaked in my garage.
i did change out the old points/rotor system to an electronic distributor in the Fall. And when i did that, i put in fancy holders for the plug wires.

There was my leak. The valve cover gasket needed replacing. 

Now, i have noticed that 1st and reverse are having a tuff time shifting smoothly. The pedal has too much play before the clutch engages.
It is a mechanical linkage clutch. Is there an adjustment that i can 'easily' do to bring the pedal away from the firewall and allowing the clutch to engage sooner?
Its a T18 tranny in a CJ5.

Thanks.

[hps4evr]

i looked around and your combination of 350/t18 isnt as common as the oem stuff, but if its mechanical then there should be some form of adjustment in the linkage. check the linkage around the bell housing. there should be a threaded rod similar to a turn buckle. my other thoughts are, if you only have the problem in 1st and reverse then maybe the shifter is hitting something? and of course your clutch could be getting worn too. i read a while back that when these old jeeps went through a lot of suspension and body flexing the clutch linkage gets a little tweaked.
and, if you feel the linkage isnt up to your standards i believe novak and/or advance adapters has kits to replace the mechanical linkage with a hydraulic unit. something to look into of course.

i think your mechanical skills are very good actually, you straightened out my spine perfectly!

[Spinalguy]

Thanks Eric. i will check that out. Maybe the hydraulic conversion is the way of the future. The good news is i can see all the moving parts on the clutch, so once i clean it off, i should get a better idea of what needs to be adjusted.

[morerpmfred]

Advanced adaptors made a upgraded chain kit for that. They also make a hydraulic kit as well.

[bae146]

Hey spinal guy, bring it over and we can adjust anytime! 

Doug

[Spinalguy]

Hey spinal guy, bring it over and we can adjust anytime! 

Doug

Thanks Doug. i was going to hook up with bnine. i will let you know if that doesn't workout for me.
Tk