Trans install help FAST

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Aug 16, 2002 | 06:54 PM

Cory1970

Thread Starter

Pro

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 624

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From: Marietta ga

Trans install help FAST

My Muncie 4 speed is now fixed and in the car except for the last 1 1/2 inch or so. The bell houseing is so close to the block but it won't get any closer. The same thing happened when i tryed puting the bell houseing on first then the trans. That time the trans would almost go in but not all the way. Any Tips please. The guy that is over here helping me is about to leave and i need him as a second hand. Tips soooon please :confused:

Aug 16, 2002 | 07:10 PM

lbell101

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 2,214

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From: Casa Grande AZ

Re: Trans install help FAST (Cory1970)

Put the bellhousing on first.
You should be using some sort of line up tool to get the clutch disk and pilot bearing reasonably close (unless you didn't have the clutch off).
Then slide the rear of the tranny up over the crossmember.
Pick up the front and slide it through the throwout bearing and into the cltch disk.
Put the driveshaft yoke on and wiggle it while you slide it forward so the splines mesh. If it still won't go all the way try pushing and pulling for a little bit. If that doesn't work put in the top two tranny bolts and tighten and wiggle over and over again until it goes in correctly. This seems to get it lined up in the correct orientation. You may have to use longer bolts at first but I doubt it. DO NOT use the bolts to force tighten the tranny in. It should tighten VERY easily.
If that doesn't work (ie. the bolts start turning hard). Then have someone push in the clutch pedal and push/pull and tighten again.

I have very recent experience with this and the two top bolts used as guides worked really well!

Aug 16, 2002 | 07:15 PM

Larry B.

Le Mans Master

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 5,635

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From: Orlando Floriduh

Re: Trans install help FAST (Cory1970)

You probably need to use a clutch alignment tool. This centers the clutch disc so the transmission spline lines up with the clutch spline. Without the tool it is very difficult to get the clutch disc centered. By eye is not close enough. Also everything needs to be perfecty in line to get the nose of the trans into the pilot bushing in the crankshaft.

Aug 16, 2002 | 08:19 PM

BubbaJJ

Pro

Joined: Jun 2000

Posts: 569

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From: phoenix az

Re: Trans install help FAST (silvervetteman)

With the bell housing on and tightened up, the clutch fork connected to the linkage and functioning, have someone push the clutch pedal while you wiggle the tranny in. This will release the pressure on the clutch disk. Assuming that you have the correct pilot shaft bushing it should slip right in. I've also had someone crank the motor while doing this, it tends to suck it right in. I'm not sure how technically correct this is and it might not be something you want to try. I've done it in the past and it has worked for me.

[Modified by BubbaJJ, 6:21 PM 8/16/2002]

Aug 17, 2002 | 12:42 AM

Bob Jenkins

Drifting

Joined: May 2000

Posts: 1,573

Likes: 1

From: Ga.

Re: Trans install help FAST (Cory1970)

Cory, I also have a 1970 Corvette. I have R&R the tranny a few times. I agree with previous posts, you will need a clutch alignment tool, you can get them at NAPA or other autoparts stores. You also need to install the bellhousing on the engine, have the clutch and pressure plate mounted and aligned on the flywheel, place the throwout bearing on the cltch fork mounted in the bellhousing and then carefully slide the tranny thru the hole in the bellhousing keeping everything alighned.....not easy in a Corvette....Did you replace the pilot bushing in the of the crank? if so, is it the correct size/one? What I have done in the past is sometimes slowly turn the output shaft of the tranny back an forth to get that last little bit of movement easier. If you still need help, I live in Kennesaw, Ga. and will be around on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Give me a call and I could assist with install of tranny 678-581-0244. Bob Jenkins :smash:

Aug 17, 2002 | 12:51 AM

Sharky Guam

Safety Car

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 4,286

Likes: 4

From: Guam

Re: Trans install help FAST (Bob Jenkins)

You guys are top dog, except that you forgot to do one thing. Put the thing in gear and spin the rear shaft of the trans while you slowly push the trans in. That will align the splines. DOn't push the clutch in because the clutch will slip out of place. Spinning the engine with the starter will only damage the spline. Don't force anything. It should all fall in place if your clutch is properly aligned with the tool.
:cheers:

[Modified by Sharky Guam, 2:53 PM 8/17/2002]