Stab It In - Transmission Install Tips And Tricks.

I’m having trouble getting the input shaft through the clutch plate. I’ve done this a dozen times on my ‘66, sometimes fairly quickly, sometimes it fights me. It’s fighting me today. Any tips welcome.

 

Did you use an alignment tool when clamping the pressure plate down? I always use long bolts with the heads cut off to help align everything.

 

Sometimes you have to just walk away for an hour.

While shoving it up in there, put it in gear and turn the output with your knee hand...

 

Sometimes you need someone to step on the clutch pedal lightly while using your knee hand.

 

Yes I have/use the alignment tool. I’ve been putting long bolts into the bell trying to align it. I think I will run down to Lowes and get some real long ones like you suggest.

There’s a good idea if I’m sure I’m close. I’d hate to drop down the clutch plate and have to reset everything.

 

I wonder if the pilot bushing tightened up when put in the flywheel to where the shaft doesn't fit.

 

All above good advice, what I did additionally when putting mine back in was I used a magnetic degree gauge to help make sure trans wasn't tilted while going in. My trans jack can swivel front/rear up/down and I put the degree gauge on flat face of bell housing, took the reading, then on the flat face of the trans and adjusted jack to same degree/angle.

While going back in, I wiggled/turned the output shaft to line up with clutch disc and the thing slid right in. I had previously tried 2-3 times before I got the degree gauge and I was off just enough even though it looked right on.

 

I used your tips and got it done!!!

Bonus tip here…

Use a ratchet strap from the front axle to hold constant pressure on the transmission. When the stars (and input shaft) align it will pop in.

Except this one- I don’t see any way stepping on the clutch pedal does anything until the whole thing is in and tight. But I personally know Rich is a great mechanic so maybe? Richard?

 

The indexing on some bellhousings is really far out. Even if you used an alignment tool when fitting up the clutch sometimes the input will start but the assembly locks up partially in. Especially when you get to the retainer. Fortunately the input shaft bearings on our old transmissions tolerate a lot.
That's the point where if you are confident the splines are engaging throwing out the clutch gives a little slip to finish the engagement.

 

Another ratchet strap.

 

I have never used an alignment tool. I just check for even reveal between the disc and clutch cover. If it doesn't go in, step away, have a beer and come back to it. That was my method and it always worked.

 

Some of the new transmission suppliers require that the bell-housing be indexed with offset dowel pins to warranty the input shaft bearing.

 

I've once had a pilot bushing that was too tight. Ever since then I check them on the shaft before installing them, and measure them once installed. if it's slightly too tight, you can wrap a section of sandpaper around a drill bit with tape forming a curled flap, run it back and forth on the inside and it'll take off just a bit of the ID.

 

If you can tip the front of the engine up, I found that downward angle easier to work the input shaft in.