Clutch / Torque Converter: Trouble removing the clutch rod

[greatbarnfind]

I have removed the engine on my m5 pickup and the bell housing remains intact with the transmission removed as well.There is this rod that connects the clutch pedal to clutch assembly inside the bell housing. This rod has two halves, one outside the bell housing and one inside. These are both connected by a wider pipe with two nail like things through the middle of it. They both had pins keeping them in place which i took them both out. I have tried knocking the nail like things both out so the wide pipe wood slide off and i can remove the bell housing. They will not move but a centimeter. What can help me?

[Alan]

Remove the cotter pins?

[greatbarnfind]

Already removed

[nvonada]

If your coupler and/or clutch rods are worn there may be ridges in there keeping the coupler from sliding out. You can get a little more movement by taking the cap off the other end of the rod the pedal is tied to so it can slide farther out of the frame rail. You should take all that apart anyway and lube it up. If that does not help a hammer might. Sometimes you have to get medieval on it. Lots of pictures of this here:

http://stude.vonadatech.com/wp/clutch/

Those pins are called clevis pins for when you need to ask for one at the hardware store.

Nathan

[Alan]

A picture of the problem would be a big help.