Thanks agian, great idea with the 1/2 rod. Bought to 1/2 threaded foot long pieces today and cut in half. Threaded two into top, and slid other two in bottom.
I thought the plate I bought might be holding it up to, so I carefully sanded a little aluminum of and chamferd the opening where the t5 collar goes into it. Slight grease around the edge. With it attached to bellhousing (it fits very snug), I wrapped a nylon slip knot strap around the front of trans.
My daughter 21, stradled the center floor opening and sat centered in the seat holding the strap. I got on the floor and with a 1-2-3 lift, it went up, slid on rods, and as I got to the pilot bushing, I told my daughter to slide over and step on clutch. As soon as she did with me pushing the tail forward, presto, right in!
Removed rods, tightened it all up, put my junkyard Astro van driveshaft in which was 3 inches shorter than mine, freshly sanded/painted and both new u-joints in place, went right in!
I will keep you all posted. Still rebuiling the aquired 235 too, just thought I would go for fitment, and stich weld the 216 block for the coolane leak and drive it a while.
