CJ T-18 won't bolt flush to my engine

For some reason the CJ T18 I am trying to swap into my 73 CJ5 with a 258 is not fully sliding in. It seems to be stuck about 1/4 of an inch away from the engine block. I am wondering if maybe there is a common problem that I may be missing.

I notched the clutch fork. I am using a 73 pressure plate and clutch disc. I am not sure what year the T18 is but it and the bellhousing are the CJ version. The bolt holes are lined up, but I can't get them to tighten down. I'd rather not take it back apart as I've been using a rachet strap, but it's looking like I might have to.

Any suggestions of what to try before I disassemble?

 

Whoops I just noticed I didn't put this in the intermediate forum. Sorry guys

 

Does the clutch disk match the input shaft splines and dimensions on the T-18? What transmission are you replacing? Did you replace the pilot bushing?

 

Sounds like you might have the wrong pilot bushing. There are two styles (plus many applications) available for the AMC that I've seen. One is a large diameter that fits into the end of the crank where a torque converter pilot would normally fit. The other style is a smaller od that fits farther in the crank. Is this a CJ T-18 or a Truck/Wagon style T-18? That can make a difference also as I believe the pilot on the end of the input shaft may be different diameters which would also account for your problem. 6-1 CJ T-18's were used from '77-'79 primarily behind I-6's and 4-1 CJ-T-18's were used primarily from '72-'75. Bottom line, check the pilot bushing first. Nickmil.

 

4.1's were also available for the V6 jeeps in the late 60's early 70's

 

It is a 6:1 CJ T-18A that is replacing a T-14. I used a pilot bushing out of the clutch kit that I bought. It had 3 and I could have sworn it was the right one. Leave it to me to pick up the wrong one in.

 

Using a mirror I was able to see that the splines had engaged and the shaft slid at least in to the disc.

 

Doh! Forgot about those. There goes my rating as tranny guru!R)
Nickmil

 

Sounds like you are at the pilot bushing. Hard lessons learned are lesons well learned. Always check that the disc fits the splines and that the pilot bushing fits the input shaft before you put the tranny in. Don't ask how I learned this lesson. Hee! Hee!