with the board's help I just installed a new generic clutch (autozone) in an 87 sami. it works, but......
pedal pressue seems fine about 2/3 of the way then it kind of goes soft. upon release there is nothing and then POP im engaged and running into other things in the driveway.
i've adjusted the cable and fork every way that i can, no help
I think that i installed it correctly....but accidents happen....
note - i never owned the vehicle with a working clutch.
ANY thoughts are welcome.

sounds like the throwout bearing is hanging up.  did you lube the shaft?

yes, but i may have gone a little light, grease around a clutch just makes me nervous. plus, during install and handling I may have lost some... i'll see what other ideas people have and probably drop the tranny again this weekend

same thing with me i bought a center force clutch kit they gave me the wrong clutch so i just went to advanced and got one put alot of grease on the shaft and it sliped and i burnt it up in a few days...  So i went and got a new one  put it in and its doing the same thing you say it just dont seem right must be really cheep clutchs ...

just bought a new 88 sammy and its like that to, kinda hard to get used to haha

Just to be safe, take a peek at the clutch adjustment procedure at Ack's FAQ (the link is in my signature).

Do a search for clutch.

Properly done, a Samurai clutch should work smoothly.

Usually, a bit of lithium grease applied conservatively to the moving/sliding parts of the shifter mechanism while installing will make things slide smoothly. Remember, the components that actually control the clutch do not rotate, so the grease (again, applied in small amounts) will stay put.

BTW, did you replace the pilot bearing that is pressed into the center of the flywheel?

Hope this helps!!

Check and lube the clutch cable.

I didn't get to drop the trans but i did remove the cable and using a pipe extension moved the clutch fork by hand - the same jerky movement resulted.  I did a complete replacement (disk, plate and both bearings) I guess its time to double check the install, parts match up, and lube. I didn't have the flywheel machined, it did have a few scortch marks which I hand sanded off with 600 grit sandpaper (i tried to use even swirling, just enough to remove the burnt on clutch material.) thanks for everyones help so far.
ben
i don't know if i feel better or worse knowing that this is a common problem

now that you said that i didnt have my flywheel done.. maybe its something in that.. well i guess ill find out as soon as i burn this clutch up...