clutch troubles

I just finished the installation of the clutch on my 1970 Jeepster v6 with 3 speed T14 tyranny. I thought once I found the parts, the rest would be smooth sailing… I was wrong!
I used a new centerforce clutch and pressure plate, new Chevy truck throwout bearing (as recommended), new pilot bearing, and new clutch fork, but had to keep the original pivot ball stud because the parts I kept ordering were wrong by design.
Once the parts were installed, I had a hard time getting the tyranny to mate with the engine block. It lined up and the splines fit together, but I could not close a ½” gap between the two. After many hours it finally mated up using some longer bolts to draw the two parts together.
No matter how I adjust the clutch pedal, I can’t get the transmission out of gear. The shifter is locked up solid and the output shaft spins anytime I rotate the engine. What am I missing? I guess I’m describing a clutch that won’t disengage allowing the Jeep to go into neutral.
Has this happened to anyone else before?
As always, I'm thankful for any help. I'm looking forward to the day when I can help others with their clutch troubles!
Nathan

 

Take it apart before you damage it. Figure out why it didn't slide together, do it right, and never use bolts to suck them together again. Check that pilot fits over input shaft and that the clutch plate fits over splines. It's possible that you distorted the bellhousing when you pulled it in with bolts so if it never seems right again keep that in mind.

 

Thanks for the help guys. Good news! The clutch is finally working properly. I knew that I put the clutch in facing the correct direction, I also knew that the pilot bushing fit on the input shaft because the alignment tool fit perfectly, and it was the same size as the output shaft. I had never heard the trick about depressing the clutch when drawing the transmission and the engine together. I bet that would have helped. It didn't take much to draw the two together with longer bolts. Honestly, it was more of an alignment trick for me and buddy trying to put it all back together with no lift or trans jack! I would not have gone that route if I had to force it.
Here was the problem:
My shift lever was binding up inside the transmission not allowing the me to get it out of gear. I took the shifting cane off and shifted the transmission into neutral by hand, then re-installed the shifter.
Once the clutch was adjusted and the shifter was moving properly, I think the idea about the pilot bushing being stuck on the input shaft was right. I followed good advice I received here and put the jeep in 4-low, held the brakes, then started the jeep in gear with the clutch depressed. The jeep lurched forward for a second then stopped. It's shifting fine now and no longer lurches. What ever was stuck is now unstuck. I think this clutch install is finally complete. Want to hear the best part? The clutch on my other Jeepster is starting to go. It never ends...
Thank you all so much,
Nathan