Need tips on installing trans

[Bob Lanham #32271]

I tried to put the trans back in my 69 this weekend after replacing clutch and throw out bearing. I did not replace the pilot bearing because I don't have a puller. I thought I had everything lined up, but I come to within almost exactly the lenght of the pilot bearing of getting the trans back into the bell housing. I've jacked the engine up, let it down, tried to put it in with and without guide bolts and jiggled and twisted the trans until I feel like somebody beat me with a board this morning.

Any tips on how to get the trans all the way in would be greatly appreciated.

[motorman]

Re: Need tips on installing trans

after you have the tranny in place using your guide pins have someone slowly push in the clutch, this will release the disk and allow you to put the trany into the pilot bushing.

[Joe L.]

Re: Need tips on installing trans

Bob-----

What are you using for a clutch alignment tool? In my experience, NONE of the available clutch alignment tools, INCLUDING the black plastic variety that look just like a transmission input shaft, are precise enough to allow for quick seating of the transmission. I've always found that a "junk" transmission input shaft of the same configuration as the one in your transmission works best. Whatever you do, don't get so frustrated as to resort to trying to use the transmission-to-bellhousing bolts to "pull in" the transmission. That's precisely how all of those Muncie/T-10 trans you see with "welded-back-on" mounting ears got that way.

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Need tips on installing trans

I am in total agreement with Joe, I talked to a member for two weeks over an installation he was doing, then I sent him a "tool" made from a broken input gear and he said it went in slick a could be. Any old chevy mechanic should have a suitable piece around, three or four speed will work the same

[Bob Lanham #32271]

I guess I know how you got your screen name...

I just spent over an hour with my father-in-law who is a pretty good mechanic trying to get that trans back in. He's worked on diesels, motorcycles, tractors, cars and trucks for around 50 years. We gave up and he advised me to pull the trans, re-align the splines and pilot bearing and then grind a bevel on the end of the trans shaft to get it in. For some reason he would not try the clutch idea. He left, I blocked the clutch with a board a voila, within a minute the trans was propertly seated.

I really appreciate the tip.

[Ron R.]

Take That Tranny Back Out!

Bob,

Congratulations on getting your tranny back in. Now that you know the secret to getting it in take it out again. You really should replace that pilot bushing and you don't a puller to do it. You know that "alignment tool" you probably got with your new clutch? Guess what it fits in to align everything? You got it; the pilot bushing. Just put some grease inside the bushing stick the alignment tool in it and whack it with a 3-lb Ford Tune-Up tool, uh I mean a hammer. It'll pop right out! If it doesn't then the bushing is really worn and you'll need to find another tool to fill the void in the bushing, I think a 3/8" drive extension will work.

[Bill D.]

Re: Take That Tranny Back Out!

Bob, if you do take the tranny back out make sure you replace the bushing with a GM #14061685 pilot bearing! It wil be worth the trouble now that you know the install trick. Have fun.

[motorman]

Re: I guess I know how you got your screen name...

i have been working on chevys and corvettes since 1953 when i got my first new chevy. put in a 270 GMC with 2 carbs, made my own headers and dual exhaust and converted a nash dual coil distributer for the ignition. had a great time blowing off all the OHV V-8 of the time. you have not lived till you hear a 6 cly chevy with split headers at full chat! i have owned 30+ new chevys and now i am on my 7th corvette. made a lot of car payments racing guys in the old days for money.

[motorman]

Re: Take That Tranny Back Out!

the easy way to get out a pilot bushing is to use a 5/8 tap. just turn it into the bushing till it bottoms on the crank and just keep turning till the bushing come out. this way your will not hit your fingers with the hammer.

[Bob Lanham #32271]

Assume I need to take flywheel off?

In order to knock the it out I need to remove the flywheel? I hate to admit it, but I went with a cheap clutch kit instead of GM parts. So will it still be worth it? I'm trying to keep the Vette driveable, the more I look at it the more I figure I need to do a frame off resto, so I figure I can take care of a lot of things then (if my wife doesn't kill me in my sleep).

[motorman]

Re: Assume I need to take flywheel off?

you do not even have to remove the bell housing. just use a socket and extension to turn the tap. you can also install the new one using a socket and extension to tap in the new one.

[Bob Lanham #32271]

OK, but how do I get to the other side of the

bushing? Surely I'm not going to hit it from the side where I took the trans out. If I do that it will fall inside and I won't be able to get it out will I? Please tell me if I'm missinsome thing here, I'm am the world's worst at trying to visualize how something should work.

Thanks

[Greg Hansen]

Re: OK, but how do I get to the other side of the

I use a trick similar to the grease but a lot cleaner, I use wet toilet paper and stuff it in with my finger until it fills the bushing to the rearward edge then take your alignment tool and insert and tap on it with your hammer. The hydraulic pressure you create with your alignment tool will actually force the bushing back out. It may be necessary to add more wet toilet paper once or twice. Try it it works super easy. I didn't believe it eather the first time.

[Bill D.]

Re: OK, but how do I get to the other side of the

Yes Bob you go in from the trans/clutch side.The bushing sits in a blind pocket in the back of the crankshaft.You cannot push it in too far or loose it.As others suggested use a tap,grease or toilet paper.It works and it is easy.When installing the new bearing,stop when the face of the bushing is flush with the face of the crank.Good luck!

[Joe L.]

Re: Take That Tranny Back Out!

motorman-----

Best methodology that I've ever heard of for removing the pilot bushing. I don't have much need for a 5/8" tap and those larger sizes are expensive, but I'm going to make sure that I have one in my tool box just for pilot bushing removal. Not that I do that very often inasmuch as I only work on my own cars, but I still want to be prepared. If I use it only once, it will be worth the cost. Thanks.