Well we experienced our first major f up yesterday

[BigmanjbMOPAR]

I'm embarrassed to say we cracked our bellhousing yesterday trying to force one side on. 

Not sure what was holding it up.. we have the engine on a hoist and trying to line up the trans with the engine and it seemed to go in ok sort of. we followed Brewers instructions for the crank bearing install and the clearance for the 130t flywheel went on ok as did the clutch pack. there was no interference with the clutch and the housing as we cranked the engine and watched it through the back of the bellhousing when it was mocked up so not sure what happened other than the dowel on the engine just hung up and we thought we could draw it in by torquing the bolt on that side.

Since this is our first 4 speed I am looking for advice on how to mate up the trans. Seems Brewers is out of the bellhousings we need so we ordered one of the American powertrain ones from Summit.

What do we need to do and what is the best method to mate the trans up to our 383 while its on the hoist?

Any and all help is much appreciated.

[anlauto]

I usually bolt the bell housing to the motor first, then install the transmission 

[BigmanjbMOPAR]

Got it, how hard is it to get the fork on the clips for the throw out bearing after?

[Jim AAR]

I usually bolt the bell housing to the motor first, then install the transmission 

I agree, in order, flywheel, clutch (with a centering tool for the disc), bellhousing, release bearing and clutch fork, then slide the Transmission in turning the shaft so the splines line up.

[RUNCHARGER]

Fork is a bit tricky to put in afterwards but totally doable. Just shine a light in and make sure it sits in as far as it can go and the throw out bearing springs tightly clamp it. You can get that bellhousing welded up strong as new by a competent welder. Make sure you chamfer the end of the dowel pins with a file so the bellhousing will slide over.

[BigmanjbMOPAR]

Thanks all we do have a good welding shop here locally ill takw it over and see what he can do.

[anlauto]

Got it, how hard is it to get the fork on the clips for the throw out bearing after?

Why after? Just install the bearing and arm first, then the trnsmission.

[Rich G.]

I agree the bellhousing should be put on the engine then the trans. The most important thing is that the clutch is lined up properly. The clutch alignment tool should slide in and out of the clutch with 0 effort and the trans will fall right in.

[BigmanjbMOPAR]

Not sure why to be honest the only thing in my head is the throw out bearing just hanging there in the bell housing instead of on the input shaft?

[70Barracuda]

The input shaft will go through the TO bearing first, all good.  Make sure the trans is in neutral.  Keep an even gap between bel and trans as you work it in.  It will pop right in with some shaking it into the bushing.   Don't use bolt to pull it in until it's right up against the bell.

[YellowThumper]

I would also confirm that the hole in your crank is deep enough to accept the trans shaft at full depth.

[HP_Cuda]

Take a micrometer and check the inner dimension of your crank bearing then check the input shaft.

You shouldn't be far off. Like folks have said if your clutch splines are lined up it should smoothly go on.

[jimynick]

"Like folks have said if your clutch splines are lined up it should smoothly go on." And, as in many things in life, a wee, thin coating of lube will help it go in with the minimum of problems. 

[1 Wild R/T]

Hook up the clutch linkage before attempting to install the transmission... This does two things..
First It holds the throw out bearing centered much better than just clipping it to the fork with the fork flopping around...
Second as you install the trans as it slides in part way then hangs up you can have someone step on the clutch & now the disc is free to float so the trans can self center the disc with the pilot bearing...

[BigmanjbMOPAR]

Engine and trabs are out of the car. Engine is swinging from a hoist. What is the best method in this situation?