How do you install bell housing on 48 DeSoto?

[MarcDeSoto]

I have already installed the clutch housing, or bell housing as some call it, but now I'm worried.  The shop manual says that you need Special Tool C-870.  This is a tool that bolts onto the crankshaft flange bolts before the Fluid Drive is installed.  The tool has a long rod that sticks out of the housing.  Mounted on the rod is a micrometer that measures for out-of -round of the clutch housing bore, which should measure no more that .005", and the rear face of the housing, which should measure .002".  You measure the clutch housing bore by turning the crankshaft one revolution.  If it is out of the spec, you loosen the dowel pins and tap the housing until it is within spec.  The manual  says that if you fail to do this, you will get hard shifting and sometimes gear disengagement.  If I can't get this tool, is this something an alignment shop could do?  I do have a spare transmission main shaft for this car which is how I aligned the clutch to install it.

Thanks, Marc.

[Don Coatney]

I used a magnetic base dial indicator.

 

[Dodgeb4ya]

I wouldn't worry about it....especially if it's the one that came with the car.

I've never had a problem doing many of them over the years,

Now a Fluid Torque drive or Hy-Drive job.... different story. Use a dial indicator both on the housing and the coupling.

[MarcDeSoto]

Don, what is that micrometer connected to?  Is it a trans. main shaft?  Marc.

[MarcDeSoto]

Don I bought the magnet base and dial indicator.  How do you center the magnet base for the measurement?  do I need to remove the clutch and fluid drive first ?

 

Marc.

[Don Coatney]

I mounted directly to the flywheel as pictured above.

[Dodgeb4ya]

Magnetic type mounted on crank. flange. I like to use a roller stem on bore checks....