Update on: Help!! C2 Muncie 4-speed installation

[Rod R.]

This is to update those of you who were so kind to give your advice last Saturday to my plea for help. The transmission is now installed! Thank God. I installed four threaded rods but was concerned about tightening the nuts too tight and breaking off the transmission's ears as some of you warned. I backed off the transmission on the rods so there was no interference, as suggested, then had my assistant hold the clutch pedal to the floor. I put the transmission in 1st gear and turned the transmission yoke to make sure the clutch was free. I then wiggled the transmission while turning the clutch and it slipped into position. Apparently the clutch was not perfectly aligned and this method allowed the clutch to float free while I positioned the transmission. The four rods helped get the alignment close. Thank you to all for your advice.

[Bryan L.]

Re: Update on: Help!! C2 Muncie 4-speed installati

Glad it worked out. I've installed many Muncies over the years and have never had to use a bolt to pull the transmission into its final resting place, and consequently have never broken a mounting ear off. It is almost always an issue with the clutch not being lined up right. That's why I use an old input shaft, it works every time. The plastic ones you get with the LUK clutch kits are usually a POS.

BL

[Dave K.]

Re: Update on: Help!! C2 Muncie 4-speed installati

I ditto Bryan. Don't use the plastic pilot shaft -- use an old original. Installed a new LUK clutch pack in my 66 but with a GM Timken TO bearing. Did not like the plastic cage on the LUK bearing that came with the clutch pack. Other guys have had problems with the plastic cage. Found the procedure where the bell housing is dropped with the trans to be the easiest for me.

Dave K.

[Joe L.]

Re: Update on: Help!! C2 Muncie 4-speed installati

Dave-----

Are you sure the GM-branded release bearing was a Timken? Usually, the ones I see are Bower/BCA (Federal-Mogul). Clutch release bearings are sealed BALL BEARINGS. Timken makes roller bearings; I don't think they've ever made ball bearings.

[Dave K.]

Re: Update on: Help!! C2 Muncie 4-speed installati

Joe,

You could be right -- it's been several months since I changed the clutch. I thought that I remember that the bearing came in a GM box (still a service replacement part)and was stamped with Timken on the brg.-- but I could be wrong.

Dave K.