Transmission Won't Slide All The Way In

[redsn95gt]

Need some tips here. I pulled my T5 and replaced it with a new built up unit. I was having this problem where I can't get it to slide on that last 1/2". So I pulled the whole thing off again, also the clutch and pressure plate and test fit the unit. The bell housing bolted up nice and flush with the block and the input shaft fit the pilot bearing perfectly. I put the clutch and pressure plate back on, and I can't for the life of me get this last 1/2" gap to close again.

I have put the tranny in 3rd gear and used the drive shaft to rotate it to get the splines to match. I confirmed by hand cranking the engine and I could see the shaft rotate.

Any tips? I've been wrestling with this thing for 3 days now.

EDIT: Just thought of something- if anything, it seems its getting caught on the bearing retainer. This transmission was built specifically for 94-95, however, I am wondering if they mistakenly put the wrong bearing retainer on? It is an aluminum shaft like all other 94-95 retainers with a steel base. Is the 94-95 retainer typically shorter or longer than the 86-93s?

 

[BIGDATOWN]

Get someone to push in the clutch while you try to put the trans in the rest of the way. Should slide right in. Oh and ALWAYS grease the input shaft where the pilot bearing rides and where the throwout bearing rides on the retainer.

 

[redsn95gt]

Thanks for the tip! I did not hook up the clutch cable yet, that sounds like a good idea. I will have to bribe one of my totally unreliable friends to come press the clutch for me.

 

[Last5.0]

Or use a bar clamp on the clutch fork to pull it forward a few inches. It will go the rest of the way in. Sometimes I've had to rotate the tranny a bit left and right to get it to go all the way in.

 

[revhead347]

I always mount my tranny with alignment studs. I took some all thread and cut them down to about 6" studs that I screw into the bottom 2 bolt holes of the bellhousing. Then I can slide the tranny in nice and straight on the studs, and use nuts on them to close the gap.

Kurt

 

[Noobz347]

I see no mention of a clutch alignment tool?

 

[393strokervert]

I've never had to have the clutch depressed to get one in... just installed the clutch using the alignment tool... bolt the bellhousing on first, then slide the tranny in.

 

[redsn95gt]

I see no mention of a clutch alignment tool?

Oh yea most definitely used the alignment tool!

I got it on with like maybe 1/4" to go right now. I'm waiting on a friend to show up and push the clutch while I bear wrestle it in.

I like the idea of alignment studs! I might make a set of those for the future.

EDIT: I actually was able to get it in myself. I depressed the clutch a few times and I was able to slide the rest of the transmission in all the way. Thanks for the tips guys, problem solved!