I'm getting stuck in reinstalling my tranny (G52) after my clutch job. Any tips you guys use for getting the tranny and engine to snug back together?
I'm thinking of pulling the engine mounts out so I can lower the engine down and have more room to work.
Seems like I can get the input shaft splines into the teeth of the clutch disk, but it's having trouble going the rest of the way into the pilot bearing.
Don't want to force it of course.
Any help is much appreciated!

Thanks!

did you put a block of wood under the oil pan before removing the tranny?

Long story really short, engine and tranny were both out of the truck at the same time, so no.

Did you use a clutch alignment tool?

Get spare bolts used to fasten tranny to engine... only get them a little longer, cut the heads off and then slot with die cutter so you can back them out with a screw driver as you insert permanent bolts one at a time.

It really helps to have a couple/three spears hanging off the back of motor to help line-up and support transmission as you slide it into place.

Used the alignment tool, and after each attempt I rechecked it, just mt make sure it didn't move.
I started to use some bolts to help bring it together, but I don't have any that are longer than the actual versions for the top ones.
Napa and true value are open today at noon, I'll bring a bolt with me and get some longer ones.
Thanks!

I know people tell you not to but I was going through the same thing and eventually got fed up and sinched up the last half inch by tightening the bolts, it didn't take much effort so I don't feel that it hurt anything.

A few suggestions:

If I remember, right head bolts are the same thread as the tranny bolts. Go to your local P-N-P and rob some off an engine. Cut the heads off and slot them to use as alignment studs.

Are us using a tranny jack? If not get at least one friend to help you.

I take the T-case (s) off, makes it a lot easier.

Once you have it stabbed into the clutch disc but not the pilot bearing, do not let it hang there, it can distort the center of the disc and screw it up.

Once you get it almost in but it will no go that last little bit try pulling it in with the bolts very slowly, half a turn on the bolts with a wrench while wiggling the back of the tranny. Be careful here, I had a friend break an ear off his tranny in a 56 Chevy, and that was a cast iron case.

Thanks for the tips all,

I got it in this morning.
I am using a tranny jack, the $80 variety from harbor freight (scissor lift kind), after moving that thing around, I'm wishing I had gotten a better kind, but oh well.
I did end up having a couple bolts that were about 1/2" longer than standard and used those to snug it together.
It went smoothly (and slowly) together.

Now to rest my arms and go back at it later to finish connecting the exterior clutch parts and driveshafts.

I'll have to remember the rest of these tricks for the next time I get into it.

Todd <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

Cool, sometimes you just have to walk away from it. Come back with a clear mind and for some reason things go smooth!!!!