The original (and some aftermarket) effort reduction bell cranks did not have bearings in two of the three holes. Not having bearings at those pivot points creates additional friction and increases pedal effort. If not frequently lubricated, the holes become elongated and / or the pivot pins become worn. This wear has a net effect of reducing the throwout bearing's travel, which is not a good thing in our Panteras.
Here is a pic of a stock (factory) bell crank. Note that there are no bearings in the top two holes. This bell crank is not hardened and can easily be machined.
The bell crank on the left was purchased from one of the Pantera vendors, and it has bearings in all of the holes. The bell crank on the right is a stock unit that someone had added bushings to the top two holes. Note that the top right bushing is badly worn on its left side.
I replaced the stock bell crank in a friend's Pantera with a full bearing aftermarket unit, and there was a noticeable reduction in clutch pedal effort. YMMV
John
