need help installing a tranmission in a 1940 Ford

Freoway

Freoway

Member
Hi folks. Have a 1940 Ford pickup with original flathead and 3 speed transmission. I've had the trans professionally rebuilt and am ready to install it. I've got a transmission jack under the rear of the engine so I can alter its angle if need be. I've got the splined shaft of the trans most of the way into the engine, but there's still about half an inch to go. It was difficult just getting to that spot. I just can't get it in the last half inch.

The bolt holes almost mate up, but they are just slightly out. If I try to raise the engine to bring them into line, the trans goes up too (not surprisingly).

Just wondering if there's something I've forgotten or some trick to this. I lubricated the shaft tip with CRC to help it slide.

In case anyone asks, I haven't used any heavy persuasion methods. All I've done is wriggle it by hand. I'm working through the floor. After two hours of wiggling and jiggling, I'm kinda knackered!

Any tricks of the trade?!

Cheers, Lloyd
 
Lloyd, did you forget to line the clutch plate up with the pilot bearing, before tightening the pressure plate down? You have to use the transmission or another trans mission shaft to line it up. That is what it sounds like the problem is.
 
Hi. Maybe I've done something like that. However, I never removed the pressure plate / clutch plate from the back of the motor, so I didn't come across a pilot bearing? Have I done something wrong here?

Cheers, Lloyd
 
the input shaft of the transmission needs to be rotated to align with the slots in the clutch disc. Then it will slide on in. Pull the transmission back out and turn the input shaft slightly (either way) till it lines up You can also put the transmission into a gear and rotate the output U joint to move the input shaft. As a teenager I spent a lot of time lining the splines to get transmissions into my 50 ford.:)
 
If you are within 1/2 inch of mating trans face with bell housing face the splines have already been in alignment for some time. I suggest the first responder is on the right track as the tip of the input shaft is not starting into the pilot bearing. I do not understand your comment about the bolt hole alignment but that might be an indication the clutch plate is not centered.

I like to put a stud or cut off bolt into each side of engine bell housing before trying to install a trans.
 
Thanks for your advice. The bolt holes lining up was what you were talking about. That would be a good way to go (aligning with a bolt or stud on each side). The problem is, I can't slide the transmission back very far without angling it upwards at the rear, due to the transmission mount member. The holes are only a fraction out, so hopefully with some jiggling and cursing, I should be able to get a long bolt in to track the trans into line. It's dinner time here in West Oz, so it may be tomorrow before I have another crack at it.
 
Problem sorted. (Went into the shed after dinner - couldn't let it beat me!) Used very long bolts around the bellhousing and aligned/guided the transmission on that way. Worked a treat. Didn't fit in until I had a bolt in every hole!
Thanks for the advice fellas. Cheers, Lloyd
 
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