I have done it many times this way myself. Depress the clutch and wiggle it in there. I use two studs so thetrans has something to rest on as it slides it. It helps guide it in.
Tremec install. ALMOST in. Thoughts?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 733
Likes: 15
From: Clarksburg NJ
Tremec install. ALMOST in. Thoughts?
So I loaded a Tremec 5-speed into my '75 4-speed car the other day. Like many have said on here, if you don't want to cut the crossmember, you can still get it in, but it's difficult. Three attempts, and some bruises later it's in. Only way that worked for me is shoving the trans as far back as you can, while still tilting it down to slip the bellhousing in loose. then raising them up together. (Clutch already installed). It's a tight fit, but was done with no bloodshed, or broken fiberglass.
Now for my problem - It's a 1/2 inch from the face of the bellhousing, and will go in no further. The alignment tool glided in and out perfectly. I know from having the bell housing and trans together on the bench, it's a very exact fit, which is to be expected. I'm thinking pehaps the disc moved. Now that the bellhousing is bolted to the block. I was thinking about installing the linkage, and having my partner activate the clutch, while I try to push it in the rest of the way. I seem to recall this method working with a T-5 years ago...
Now for my problem - It's a 1/2 inch from the face of the bellhousing, and will go in no further. The alignment tool glided in and out perfectly. I know from having the bell housing and trans together on the bench, it's a very exact fit, which is to be expected. I'm thinking pehaps the disc moved. Now that the bellhousing is bolted to the block. I was thinking about installing the linkage, and having my partner activate the clutch, while I try to push it in the rest of the way. I seem to recall this method working with a T-5 years ago...
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
Don't know if this would apply in your situation, installed a Tremec in a 67 Fairlane with a 427 and had the same thing happen. Turned out the part of the input shaft that rides in the pilot bushing was 9/16" to long causing it to bottom out against the crankshaft. Had to have the end of the input shaft shortened to get the case to bolt to the bellhousing.
Turned out it was an oops from the kit supplier, they forgot to have the shaft machined shorter before shipping it.
Turned out it was an oops from the kit supplier, they forgot to have the shaft machined shorter before shipping it.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,358
Likes: 379
From: Plano TX
Very common problem. The plastic alignment tool is not precise enough. The tip of the input shaft is hitting the side of the pilot bearing/bushing.
Your plan to depress the clutch is the right one. With the clutch pressed the tranny will slide in.
Your plan to depress the clutch is the right one. With the clutch pressed the tranny will slide in.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 733
Likes: 15
From: Clarksburg NJ
Thanks Guys. Much appreciated! 
Yeh, it's close enough where the bolts will actually start halfway, so perhaps I'll use those to aid in alignment. I have both the trans and the engine supported on scissor jacks, and they are lined up well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,733
Likes: 832
From: Gulf of America
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
I had the same thing happen when I installed the TKO-600 in my car.
I agree with Zwede, the cheap plastic alignment tool included in my kit left the disc off center enough to cause the trans to come up short. Recentering the disc allowed the trans to finally go in. Be very careful about using the trans to bell housing bolts to pull the trans in. If the trans is still hung up, you could crack an ear off the trans.
I agree with Zwede, the cheap plastic alignment tool included in my kit left the disc off center enough to cause the trans to come up short. Recentering the disc allowed the trans to finally go in. Be very careful about using the trans to bell housing bolts to pull the trans in. If the trans is still hung up, you could crack an ear off the trans.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,125
Likes: 9
From: Crescent City, CA
DO NOT TRY TO PULL THE TRANS IN WITH THE BOLTS
It will be a heartache that you do not need.
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