Clutch problem - what is this part called?

[madpogue]

And what do I do about it?

1983 F-150, 300 with the "top-loader" 4-speed OD transmission. There's a pivot shaft that screws into a threaded hole on the left side of the tranny case, and the clutch linkage pivots around it, in order to push the fork and disengage the clutch. One end has a nylon bushing on the outside, which fits inside a hollow tube that constitutes the pivot axis between the part being pulled from the pedal and the pushrod that pushes the fork. The other end is threaded, and threads into the tranny. In the middle is a hex head for installing with a spanner.

The darn thing broke off, leaving the threaded part in the in the tranny case, flush! Of course, without a fixed pivot axis, when you mash the clutch pedal, it does nothing to the fork. Had to get it towed it home; it "lurch-started" just fine, but try as I might, I just couldn't power-shift first to second.

And I'll bet a nickel that the part is not available at the dealer. We broke the shift lever rod off a year or so ago, and had to have it welded, since the dealer discontinued it and we couldn't find one at a boneyard. So I'm afraid I'll be in the same boat with this part.

So.... I know the only way to get the broken-off threaded section is with an extractor (easy-out). But what do I do to replace the part??!?!? One saving grace is that the part is pretty small, so if I find one elsewhere in the country, I could have it shipped cheap. But I'm wondering about possibly fabricating a replacement part from some specialty bolt.

Ideas? Suggestions? Condolences? First, does anybody know what this part is called, so I can call the dealer and not have to tell the whole saga just to identify the part?

I've created a wee web page, describing the problem, and have a couple of photos of the part itself. When the sun rises on this part of the planet, I'll slither under and photograph the place on the tranny where it came from, and the affected linkage, and add them to the page. It's at http://userpages.chorus.net/ptoleary/clutchpivot/.