The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop t-5 trans will not go into gear when running

i installed a t5 in my 49 suburban but it will not go into gear when the motor is running. i adjusted the clutch all the way the only thing i can think of is my throw out bearing is big enough any help?

Having installed a T5 in my 54 truck behind a 235 I've had to jump through hoops to get it right! Obviously your disc isn't releasing and this can caused by a number of things overlooked.
Hopefully you followed the info in the "search" section about making the necessary mods to the front of your T5 or you wouldn't have even gotten it bolted up.

I found that in prepping the transmission your biggest challenges were in getting a clutch disc that had a FLAT BACKSIDE (I used an RCF-4201 from an 83-84 Firebird/Camaro 2.8L) that went towards the diaphragm pressure plate and extending the splines back 1/4-3/8". But MORE IMPORTANTLY...making sure the clutch disc would actually slide back over the extended splines. If you "assume" it will slide back and don't verify it by actually sliding it back to verify, you will (may) encounter the problems you're having. The throwout bearing will depress the pp fingers but the center will flex and still make contact and remain engaged.

I also found that the remanufacturer mis-label "flywheel side" and that several folks have followed the marking and had the flat side of the clutch disc towards the flywheel. This will guarantee that the disc won't slide back far enough to release. In addition, I had to run my pilot bushing in an additional 1/8".

I'm using the short TO bearing, drive my truck everyday and have about 1000 miles on the T5. I experienced the same problem with no release and discovered that my disc was binding up on my extended splines. Insuring that the flat side was towards the pressure plate and that the disc would slide over the splines did the trick. I've got some pixs and additional info in my webshots "Shoebox" album. I hope this will help you get your T5 set up. BTW...the T5 really makes driving a hoot!!!

Dave

thanks for your input dave i cut the tip of the input shaft, i cut the bearing retainer, i ground down the clutch on the trans side, it looks like i need to extend the splines, on the input shaft

dave by the way i put a 8.8 lincoln disc brake rear with 3.27 gears i am running 6.00 x 16 tires and my t5 has a .86 od its of a s10 with a low 1st gear i will find out how it works out.

Hi John, sounds to me like you've got a pretty good setup. With the 3.27 R&P, the .86, the tall tires and more vehicle weight you should have a good match. The 4.03 low will be a little short but she'll launch real easy and the
.86/3.27 should give you a nice reasonable cruise.

I tried a 3.08 with a .72 and 29" tire and it was too tall....could have made it work with a .86 but just bit-the-bullet and went with a drum 3.42 which works great...but I gave up posi/disc.

My 3.42 let's me cruise all day at 65-70 at 2K and I added a little breathing and improved fuel delivery and am hoping to get an honest 20-21 mpg. The best part of the whole mod is that now the little engine, with the 5 speed can stay in the torque band without a lot of free-winding. I don't have to putz along in the "Buick" lane with the other old farts!!!! No need for a SBC and a slushbox!!!! She purrs like a kitten but has a little TIGER in her when I ask for it!!!!

Don't forget to slide your disc on the extended splines to MAKE SURE it will have the extra travel. That is the key to making it work!!!

Let me know how it works out.

Dave

Thanks guys for your input. I drained the trans on thursday, friday after work I removed it, this morning i went the a clutch rebuilder, and purchased a used clutch core. I removed the front bearing retainer and extended the splines, and had the core for test fitting. I was trying to install the trans I had a hard time the 1ST time. I ended up beveling the tip of the shaft slightly like the original trans and it went in ez. I took it for a short drive around the block IT has not been registered since 1969.

The $10 for the used clutch core is well worth it now i can modify of tansmissions with the core

Hi John...glad to hear you're back on the road. It's really amazing how it's usually just a little minor tweaking that will get you past the hurdles!!!

Verifying that the disc will actually slide over the new splines seems to be that one little detail that lets you get off your back and into the driver's seat!!!

Dave