'80 440. Clutch Release ... how does it work?

Removed Drive Chain Guard to install a new chain and rushed in to it, and now clutch won't release. Question is, how does the clutch release apply pressure to the rod that goes through the block to the clutch? Mine appears to only spin around the rod. Either I'm reassembling it wrong, or there is some sort of lever or wedge that applies force to that rod when the clutch release lever spins. Did I un-seat the rod (see photo with measurement)? Or, did I lose a part somewhere on my garage floor? Someone please help.....I'm stuck in Neutral here.

Did you remove the pushrod when you changed the chain and sprocket? If so, the ball bearing (#21 in the last pic) may have fled the scene.

To answer your actual question, the release mechanism contains three bearings that are captured in ramped depressions. When the cable is pulled, the rotation of the mechanism forces the ball bearings up their ramps, thus forcing the adjustment screw into t*e rod that pushes the bearing into a plate that separates the clutch pack. eieio.

Thx, TKZ. Is the ball (21) accessible on the other side without pulling the clutch assembly?