The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop problems installing 4 speed into 49 chevy

Hey all I have been trying to install my 4 speed trans into the bellhousing on my 216(same one the trans came out of- and I can get the trans within about 1.5" of installed- I am using two guide pins- I have tried rotating the teeth on the shaft to get a fit, I have tried installing with the TO bearing arm attached to the pedals and detached from the pedals- What am I missing?
Help

Lining it up w/ the pilot shaft bearing? It may or may not apply here I assume your trying to install to the engine and the bellhousing?

You are most likely ligned up the last 1.5 inch can be tough based on not being perfectly square. Get two longer bolts and draw the trany in and use a floor jack uder the tranny to relive any binding. Go easy

Thanks guys, you are correct, trans to bell housing, I think it is where the small tip of the trans shaft goes into the bearing inside the bell housing. I think that is where it is binding up- This part has beaten me today, I think I will let a friend with a little more experience, and patience take over this part- Thanks for the help!

I use a small transmission scissor jack and of course alignment is a challenge. When I get to that stage, I lie on the floor behind it and use my feet to shove it in. This seems to work for me.

Are you sure the clutch disc is centered. If you did not disturb the clutch the 4 speed should go in. If the clutch has been disturbed you will need to align it with a pilot. I would not use bolts to draw it in as you can break the ears off the transmisson easily.
Cleon

Has the splines gone into the disc & is the TO brg floating on the retainer? With trans. in high gear you should not be able to turn the rear shaft. If the splines are in hook up the clutch linkage & release the clutch. That should let the disc center itself & the shaft go in the pilot brg.

Agree with31 32 32, I believe the clutch wasn,t alined when the bolts were tightned. A alignment tool cost about 2.95 at the corner flaps store

Thanks for all the responses- got it in, the Bearing at the front was the culprit-
A friend of mine used a trans jack and leg power to slide it into place- the holdup was alignment- when He put it on his jack lifted it up it went right in no problem. He said that I probably was just off enough in getting the trans shaft aligned with the clutch assembly that it would not go in that last 1 or so. Shifts fine, now I am a big step closer to getting it finished. Thanks for the help- I knew another set of eyes, and hands, and a lot more experience could figure it out.

So I came in to ownership of a new clutch with guide pins and everything- the current one seems fine, But have decided to install the new one, and use the original for a spare/conversation piece(yes I have a boring life)

Any tricks to pulling out the clutch without removing the engine- The tranny will come back out- Bought a trans jack to avoid the above mentioned issue-
I am also going to throw in a new throw out bearing-
I also ordered an alignment tool- so I know it will be correct when reinstalling.

You do not have to pull the engine. After removeing the trans. remove the clutch retaining bolts by turning the engine till you get them all. Then drop the clutch out through the opening. Sounds like you have every thing you need. Going back you want to pull the mounting bolts up a little at a time. You will have to draw up 2 at a time then turn the engine & draw up 2 more till they are tight. I didn't realize where you are till now. I can help you if you get a problem. We are almost neighbors.

Wow no kidding on the neighbors thing- That is the process I am going to do. I have the hand crank for the engine from a ac tractor- and it matches the 216, so I will use it to turn the engine slowly.
Can you insert the clutch alignment tool in the clutch while pushing the clutch pedal to also help center it? More a curiosity question than anything. That is with the pedal connected and the TO bearing in place.

That is with everything still installed.
I really like the looks of your blue pickup- I wish my 49 looked that good.

You are probably a lot younger then I am but I couldn't jump out there & turn the engine with a crank each time I wanted to turn it a little. That low comp. 216 you should be able to just grab the flywheel & turn it. If you use the alignment tool the trans should go right in, although sometimes those plastic things are off just enough that it won't. Then you hook up the linkage & release the clutch & it should slide right in.
I'm going to have my 58 at the show in Bonner Springs Saturday. Come out if you have a chance. It is always a great show at a neat facility.

What you need to do is insert the alignment tool shortly after you start to install the pressure plate and disc. Every so often you should make sure it is seated. I use an inexpensive tool. It has a range of fittings to fit different cranksshaft bushings and of course the correct one threads on the end. The tool is inserted into the crankshaft and a cone is pushed in which centers the disc. The pessure plate should be tightened a bit at a time around the circle.

what show in bonner springs? I did not think about turning the flywheel as I lay there, Duh!
that would take quite a bit less energy(although my "Helper" would probably be turning the handle while I tighten.
What kind of stuff is at the show- Hot rods?- classics?
A little bit of everything?
Thanks,
Sam

Our Genuine Chev/Gmc truck club puts it on. Most of the members trucks will be there. It is open to all special interest vehicles. It will be collector cars, street rods mostly with some classics & rods. Occasonal rat/retro mod. It is at the Ag. Hall of fame.
George

I will probably come up there- I will look for your 58 by its picture in your link- I am a 6'6" kansas- best way to describe myself-
My grandfather is in the ag hall of fame for his antique tractor collection and some other stuff from 30 years+ back.
Hope to see you there.
Thanks,
Sam