Re: Trans/OD install, 48 Custom

Posted by Dave Kenney On 2011/8/3 12:46:29

I replaced the clutch in my '47 Super Clipper last year and can appreciate the amount of work installing the transmission entails. I assume you are doing this while the car is up on jack stands and not a hoist. I didn't drop the engine very far as I didn't want to damage the front mounts. I had a small transmission jack to assist me as I did this myself. You will need a pilot shaft to ensure the clutch plate is aligned if you removed the clutch. I have a plastic one I can mail you if you need it.
I began by tilting the front of the trans up and then lifted the entire trans until the input shaft was up throgh the throw out bearing and into the pressure plate opening. I then used a small floor jack I had chained to the back of the trans jack to lift the rear of the trans while pushing the trans forward so the input shaft continued further into the clutch pressure plate hole . Once the rear of the trans (O/D in our case) cleared the crossmember I was able to align the trans with the bell housing and push the trans forward so the input shaft aligned with the spines of the clutch disc. It took a lot of wiggling to get everything to line up but eventually I heard that satisfying "clunk" when metal met metal. With two people I suggest that you remove the inspection plate in the floor and perhaps have you assistant pull the trans up from above using a tow strap or chain. The critical thing I found was that the input shaft had to be entered into the clutch plate before beginning to lift the back of the trans or it won't clear the crossmember. I hope this is of asistance. I never want to do that job again alone!