Drive Line Question

[ursus]

When I pulled my engine for a rebuild I had to fight it with a jack and engine hoist free it from the rear mounts. It literally popped out like a champagne cork. Now, I am struggling to re-install it with a frame spreader and all the cuss words I can muster, to no avail. I did install new rear engine mount rubbers after sanding the faces down to the original Ford 0.2 inch thickness.

I just measured the distance from the transmission centerline to the middle of each side on the frame and found a distance of 15.18 inches on the driver side and 14.37 on the passenger side, for a variance of 0.81 inches. The centerline reference point is an embossed "V" in the rear of the trans shifter casting.

While the engine was out I did a remove/replace of the rear axle so maybe the driveline is kinked a bit to one side, so there's that to consider. I am open to any thoughts or suggestions. Thanks!

 

[nkaminar]

The engine will not go in unless everything is lined up. Do you have a floor jack to lift the bell housing to get the transmission shaft lined up with the clutch? You will have to rock the engine side to side to get the splines lined up with the clutch, or turn the engine over a little. Everything has to be lined up side to side too. I am surprised to learn that there is that much difference. Did you use the plastic gizmo to line up the clutch to the pilot bearing, or an old transmission input shaft? The U joint has to be in the proper position too. If it is not lined up the engine will not go in. It is a bear, I know.

 

[ursus]

The engine will not go in unless everything is lined up. Do you have a floor jack to lift the bell housing to get the transmission shaft lined up with the clutch? You will have to rock the engine side to side to get the splines lined up with the clutch, or turn the engine over a little. Everything has to be lined up side to side too. I am surprised to learn that there is that much difference. Did you use the plastic gizmo to line up the clutch to the pilot bearing, or an old transmission input shaft? The U joint has to be in the proper position too. If it is not lined up the engine will not go in. It is a bear, I know.

I got so frustrated that I installed the engine without the rear mount on one side. It mated up with the transmission without any trouble and I can turn over the engine in third gear and see the rear wheels rotate. I had to use a 4 foot lever to ease it toward the driver's side in order to install the front mount. The engine now is closer to the passenger side.

 

[2speed]

I put the engine in without the passenger side mount. I then put a scissor jack between the engine and the frame and lightly tighten it up. I then slip the passenger mount in place putting some dish soap on the rubber to make it slide easier. Sometimes a little persuasion is needed, but usually slips into place. This way it's easier than fight two things. Alignment for the trans, and forcing it into the frame rails.


The off center issue, never measured mine....