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Help installing a transmission.

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Johnny

Johnny

Luke Skywalker
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Anybody have any good ideas on how to install a transmission back in the car, with the motor still in the car?

I didn't have much trouble removing the transmission, but now after the rebuild I've got to wrestle the "green dragon" back into the car.

Things I've tried; Used all-thread to line up the transmission (didn't work), Use every large-round screwdriver to align, that didn't work either due to the sides won't go in.

Raise the transmission from underneath with a floor hoist and slowly push into engine.

Things I've learned; If you first twist the front of the transmission you can clear the sides. Once clear it'll slide up to about 1 1/2" then stop.

If you put the transmission in gear you can turn the third member (where the driveshaft mounts) to try and align the mainshaft with the pressure plate. Please HELP.
 
I've always pulled the motor and trans together. Same going back. Have you tired putting studs (about 2" long)in the top mounting holes on the motor. I do that for Triumph trans. That always helped me.

Marv
 
There are various ways to get it started, sounds like you have figured some of them out.

First thing is to make sure the splines on the clutch and pressure plate are lined up. sheet metal that goes directly around the bellhousing unscrews, at least on the early cars, if this is not off take it off. If you don't have a clutch alignment tool you may be able to wing it with a large screwdriver.

If you get it started I have found the best way to do it as a one man job is to sit on the tunnel, straddle the tranny with your legs on both sides, use your hands towards or on the rear flange end to gently move the thing GENTLY side to side as well as twist, while pushing in on the flenge edge of either side of the tranny towards the engine with your feet. Eventually it starts to slip in and you should be able to tell by feel when it does, once it starts it should slide the rest of the way on with a little pressure then a very satisfying "chunk" as it slides all the way home.
 
Johnny said:
Anybody have any good ideas on how to install a transmission back in the car, with the motor still in the car?

I didn't have much trouble removing the transmission, but now after the rebuild I've got to wrestle the "green dragon" back into the car.

Things I've tried; Used all-thread to line up the transmission (didn't work), Use every large-round screwdriver to align, that didn't work either due to the sides won't go in.

Raise the transmission from underneath with a floor hoist and slowly push into engine.

Things I've learned; If you first twist the front of the transmission you can clear the sides. Once clear it'll slide up to about 1 1/2" then stop.

If you put the transmission in gear you can turn the third member (where the driveshaft mounts) to try and align the mainshaft with the pressure plate. Please HELP.
Click to expand...
I've done many transmissions by myself(when I was younger and had more brawn than brains), but I used to place a sicssors jack under the oil pan and raise the engine slightly to help line up everything. I then took the "dragon" and wrestled it into position after I used a pilot tool to line up the shaft. I originally used a shaft from a used dragon for a line up tool and this was a false sense of security that I was doing it the right way! Lining up the shaft was where I had most of my problems in reinstalling the dragons. Get a good aligning tool and you'll be plesently surprised how much easier this job is. The shaft on the dragon has to be "spot on" to go into the rear hole in the crank!!
Patrick
 
I did this twice a year and a half ago. Like Patrick, I put a scissors jack under the oil pan (with a block of wood) to lift the rear of the engine. I used a splined dummy to align the clutch and pressure plate (I had installed a new set).

IMG_0772.jpg


I made a small wooden bench to support the transmission slightly lower than exact height and used a floor jack to raise the bench with the trans on it. I got it to go in all but about a half inch and it was slightly cocked so the holes would not line up enough to get the standard bolts in. So I used some expendable hardware store 3" long bolts with nuts to draw the trans the rest of the way in. These bolts were thinner than the standard bolts so they would go through both the trans bellhousing and the engine plate holes even though not perfectly lined up.


I think the most important thing given your 1 1/2" shortage is to get a dummy spline aligner tool.
 
I had to raise the back of the engine, as well as lift the front of the trans as I was guiding it in. I didn't have any trouble from that point on.

IMG_7639.jpg
 
Although I've done it plenty of times,I've never quite figured out the secret to make it slide in like butter. Some of the struggles I've had seem more like alligator wrestling rather than dragon slaying. Jacking up the rear of the engine is a must. A tranny jack can also be helpful. Some guys like to use a rope around the rear to lift it while maneuvering into position.. A bottomless cup of cuss words is also a help.
 
Johnny,
I think raising engine and using an alignment tool (Keith has one) plus the various insertion methods described should do it. A few choice words and a threat to stop seemed to help my tranny decide to 'clunk' home in the past.
Good luck.
 
:wall: Thanks to all who responded. Bob, I have the correct alignment tool but I now realize if there's any resistance at all removing the alignment tool you'll never get the transmission to go in. So, now I'm waiting to build up some reserve energy for another attempt at the "gold medal". I'll let all know how it went, or didn't.
 
Johnny said:
:wall: Thanks to all who responded. Bob, I have the correct alignment tool but I now realize if there's any resistance at all removing the alignment tool you'll never get the transmission to go in. So, now I'm waiting to build up some reserve energy for another attempt at the "gold medal". I'll let all know how it went, or didn't.
Click to expand...
I didn't mention in my earlier post that it's good to have the trans engaged in gear so that you can turn the driveshaft which will rotate the front spline which threads through the clutch disc. It may not seem much, but can you imagine trying to force the dragon into place with the clutch disc and shaft splines not lined up??
(and....don't forget to install the throw out bearing or the dragon will slide right in on first try and then you'll have to start the process all over after you discover it laying on the workbench...drink responsibly)
Patrick
 
The one time I did it was without the alignment tool, as I was too cheap back then.

I managed, but it was a good thing my time was worth nothing...
 
Did mine this weekend. Raised, lowered, engine sump several times. Raised, lowered, gearbox several times. Used the alignment tool which went in and out with ease. Once you are aligned top to bottom from about 2 inches all around, you need to jiggle the whole dragon holding it from just forward of the driveshaft flange and push in. It does take some strength/patience. You could also try extra long (3") bolts and nuts to pull her a bit closer. I've done it that way as well. Real slow. Good luck.
 
I put a roller jack under the transmission and a scissors or bottle jack under the engine with wood. With the roller jack just slide it forward. I've never used an alignment tool, slides right on. If you support the weight by holding it from above, inevitably it will be at a slight angle and not go, or your back will break.
 
glemon said:
There are various ways to get it started, sounds like you have figured some of them out.

First thing is to make sure the splines on the clutch and pressure plate are lined up. sheet metal that goes directly around the bellhousing unscrews, at least on the early cars, if this is not off take it off. If you don't have a clutch alignment tool you may be able to wing it with a large screwdriver.

If you get it started I have found the best way to do it as a one man job is to sit on the tunnel, straddle the tranny with your legs on both sides, use your hands towards or on the rear flange end to gently move the thing GENTLY side to side as well as twist, while pushing in on the flenge edge of either side of the tranny towards the engine with your feet. Eventually it starts to slip in and you should be able to tell by feel when it does, once it starts it should slide the rest of the way on with a little pressure then a very satisfying "chunk" as it slides all the way home.
Click to expand...

:winner1: Yes, I got it in!!!
With me riding the green dragon and a friend under the beast armed with a scissors jack and rolling floor jack we were able to mate the engine and transmission. In retrospect I most likely didn't have all mated correctly. The alignment tool, after re-adjusting, must literally be able to just "drop in".

So now all's well in my household, I can now spend some time with my wife and get to know her again.
Many, many thanks to all who assisted my here.
 
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