Trans/Engine alignment problems
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 49
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From: Florida
Trans/Engine alignment problems
I've been struggling for the past 3 days to get my transmission and engine to mount together. I put grease on the splines, lifted the transmission and the engine, unbolted and moved the trans to try and line it up, but still nothing. I can't see in the bell housing (which is on the transmission) so I can't tell if everything is lining up, but from the bolt holes it looks like it should. Even if their on the same level, I can't slide the splines into the clutch; even while adjusting the splines from the back of the trans.
Any special tricks I need to know about, or do I just keep trying to get them on the way I am?
Any special tricks I need to know about, or do I just keep trying to get them on the way I am?
Last edited by arc_johnpiv; Jun 18, 2021 at 08:56 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
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I've been struggling for the past 3 days to get my transmission and engine to mount together. I put grease on the splines, lifted the transmission and the engine, unbolted and moved the trans to try and line it up, but still nothing. I can't see in the bell housing (which is on the transmission) so I can't tell if everything is lining up, but from the bolt holes it looks like it should. Even if their on the same level, I can't slide the splines into the clutch; even while adjusting the splines from the back of the trans.
Any special tricks I need to know about, or do I just keep trying to get them on the way I am?
Any special tricks I need to know about, or do I just keep trying to get them on the way I am?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Florida
The tool
I don't think clutch alignment is the issue. I had them together once, but had to take them back apart since I forgot the clutch fork. I didn't touch the clutch or plate while I was working on that...
I don't think clutch alignment is the issue. I had them together once, but had to take them back apart since I forgot the clutch fork. I didn't touch the clutch or plate while I was working on that...
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Back in the day we inserted an splined alignment tool ($10) into the clutch splines while a second person lightly pressed on the clutch pedal to allow the clutch to center itself until the tool slid into the hole in the crankshaft. The second person took his foot off the clutch pedal and the tool was then removed and the transmission shaft slid into place...then we bolted the transmission securely.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: SW Florida.
But, Tony the bell housing has to be on the motor with clutch z bar hooked up. And that is what I think op has to do is install bell housing and hook up the clutch. Then put trans in 4th and work driveshaft yoke back n forth. You can use long bolts as alignment pins. You can NOT crank down on those bolts to pull tranny to close the gap. You will break the input cover. Don’t ask how I know…
Last edited by derekderek; Jun 18, 2021 at 10:12 PM.
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Bell housing needs to be bolted to the engine. splines aligned in the clutch. then slide trans all the way home into the pilot bearing.
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double post
Last edited by 4-vettes; Jun 18, 2021 at 10:30 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Little Rock AR
You can get very long transmission to bellhousing bolts and cut the heads off. Screw them into the bottom bellhousing bolt holes to help hold the transmission weight and keep it aligned while you install it. If it is not aligned well enough to go in all the way, you can have a helper push down the clutch pedal while you get the transmission the rest of the way in. The disk will release a bit so you can move it around when you push the clutch pedal down.
Do not let the transmission weight hang on the disk or you can bend the disk and ruin it.
Do not let the transmission weight hang on the disk or you can bend the disk and ruin it.
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From: Reno Nevada
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I've been struggling for the past 3 days to get my transmission and engine to mount together. I put grease on the splines, lifted the transmission and the engine, unbolted and moved the trans to try and line it up, but still nothing. I can't see in the bell housing (which is on the transmission) so I can't tell if everything is lining up, but from the bolt holes it looks like it should. Even if their on the same level, I can't slide the splines into the clutch; even while adjusting the splines from the back of the trans.
Any special tricks I need to know about, or do I just keep trying to get them on the way I am?
Any special tricks I need to know about, or do I just keep trying to get them on the way I am?
Then you are only stabbing the transmission input shaft
Mount the engine with a floor Jack holding the rear at a angle to ease transmission installation
Team Owner
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But, Tony the bell housing has to be on the motor with clutch z bar hooked up. And that is what I think op has to do is install bell housing and hook up the clutch. Then put trans in 4th and work driveshaft yoke back n forth. You can use long bolts as alignment pins. You can NOT crank down on those bolts to pull tranny to close the gap. You will break the input cover. Don’t ask how I know…
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: SW Florida.
you didn't realize OP had the bell mounted to the trans like a japanese car. now, stepping on the clutch and installing the trans. the throwout bearing has to be on the input shaft cover before stepping on the clutch. so the trans has to be up as far forward as you can get it. if clutch is depressed ahead of time, the throwout bearing will be off-center and the clutch pressure will make it stay there. if you don't have an alignment tool, step on the clutch ahead of time and eyeball the disk as centered as you can. also, have the trans in gear with yoke in so you can turn the input shaft to align the splines. you really shouldn't need to step on the clutch until you are an inch or less out, splines in the disk, and input shaft hitting just off-center of the pilot bushing-bearing. and i repeat. do not put bolts on and pull it forward.
Last edited by derekderek; Jun 19, 2021 at 01:33 PM.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: New Braunfels Texas
Yeah....take the trans off the bellhousing.....mount the bellhousing. Line the disc up (An old cut off pilot shaft is the right tool...those plastic ones just **** you off.....), and slide the trans in using the above mentioned long *** bolts......now with the trans held up on its own, push on the fork and slightly release the clutch....it should push right in, everytime......if not, you have serious issues. Even a .005 misalignment of the disc can cause it to bind......
The way you have it.....you are flying blind and have a LOT more weight to struggle around.....no bueno.
Jebby
The way you have it.....you are flying blind and have a LOT more weight to struggle around.....no bueno.
Jebby