Transmission to Engine Reconnect, Suggestions Needed Please

[fine69]

Is there an ideal way to reconnect the tranny back to the engine (Muncie 4 speed / small block 350)?

I have my engine on one of those JEGS stands that allows the tranny to be attached.

I am able to get the clutch alignment tool into the bearing - but I am having a heck of time trying to get the spline on the actuall tranny to slide into the pilot bearing. :cry

I attached some photos of where I am so far with the rebuild... you can see the gap between the bell housiing and block. I'm afraid that I might screw up the pilot bearing area or something else if I keep trying to force it in.

Thanks all.

 

[67HEAVEN]

I always attach the bell housing to the block first, then add the tranny.

 

[RodsnRides]

Have you put any lubricant on the input shaft/pilot bushing? I note the "pins" (2) on the engine are dry as well. A light film of wheel bearing grease on all these areas is highly recommended...

Also-regarding the pilot bearing-are you running the standard brass bushing or have you upgraded to the (recommended) roller bearing as installed in later Chevy trucks (90's)? Putting the tranny in gear and turning the output shaft (use a driveshaft yoke, if available) also helps...keeps things moving..."synchronicity" if you will...

If you can get a couple of bolts started, you can work it in, go slowly and evenly. Maybe even start with longer bolts, then remove and replace with your normal ones. Good luck.

Rick

McMurdo Station, Antarctica

 

[JohnZ]

I am able to get the clutch alignment tool into the bearing - but I am having a heck of time trying to get the spline on the actuall tranny to slide into the pilot bearing. :cry

Do it the conventional way - unbolt the transmission, bolt the bellhousing to the block, then install the transmission; that way you're only dealing with one issue (the input shaft) instead of adding the bellhousing dowel pin issue. DO NOT try to pull the transmission the last inch into the bellhousing with the trans bolts - that's what breaks the ears on the main case.

 

[fine69]

Thanks Everybody... I got it together!

Lessons-learned (for me).... lot's of patience and don't "over-think" the problem.

It's good to see the engine and transmission as one system again! It's been out since March... lots more to do yet!