'47 transmission installation

[Ron Hutchins]

Having trouble installing '47 Mercury trans from the passenger compartment. Have not installed rear trans mount but rear bearing retainer with ears to mount above rear trans mount still will not slip into area where u-joint and clam shell halves eventually will be installed. Trans is hitting on frame where rear trans mount bolts with the two carriage bolts. What am I missing?

 

[Kurt in NJ]

Are you jacking up the rear of the engine?

 

[ajohn]

When you get ready to stab the transmission,cut the heads off two 3 inch long 3/8 inch bolts,screw two of them into the bellhousing.Makes it much easier to do.Use the bolt stubs for alignment.Works for me!

 

[bobH]

I think above posts have it.... engine jacked up... guide bolts are usually a good thing, but not too long as to make life difficult. One other thing I do, remove the rear bearing retainer & use one of its bolts, with washers, to hold the rear bearing, until you have the trans in place. While it's still jacked up, re-install the rear bearing retainer - should have a inch or so clearance between the ears and the mount, while doing this. (BTW, I don't mess with lock-wire on those rear bearing retainer bolts - IMO, not needed, & too difficult to get to. I DO use lock-washers.)
JMO

 

[Ron Hutchins]

Yes. The engine is jacked up and the top of the bell housing is even with the lower edge of the firewall. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Ron Hutchins]

I am using studs to align the trans with the bell housing, and have removed the bearing retainer. Will try again later today. Thanks for the experienced comments. Nice to have another opinion.
Used 3" guide studs on the bottom of the trans housing, then used 3" bolts on the top of trans. Alternating between top and bottom, I tightened each of the 4 fastners, keeping the gap the same and the input shaft easily entered the clutch splines.