Problems installing trans. on 48 DeSoto

[MarcDeSoto]

Today, I tried to install my m-5 trans back in the bell housing.  I installed the clutch and centered it with a good input shaft.  I put the trans into the bell housing and it wouldn't fit at first, but after turning the crank a few times, it went in all the way.  Then I realized that you have to put the bell housing pan in first.  So we put that in, and now the trans will not go in all the way.   It needs about another half inch to go in.  What could be causing this?  Could it be a stuck clutch fork, or the splines, or something on the clutch pan, which had a long stud that goes into the trans?  any ideas?  Thanks, Marc.

 

[Merle Coggins]

I usually find that when you need to go in that last inch you just need to release the clutch by depressing the clutch pedal. It may require a helper unless you can find a way to rig up a tool on the linkage to manipulate the clutch from underneath. Even though you aligned the clutch with another input shaft it could be off slightly causing things to be a bit tight going in. By releasing the clutch it will self align allowing the trans to slip into place. 

[Dodgeb4ya]

Wiggle,jiggle,turn brake drum back and forth with trans in gear ...push in hard.

It will go in the last inch.

Do you have the two lower 3" studs in?

[MarcDeSoto]

I only have one lower 3" stud in.  there was a bolt holding the trans. in the other hole.  I guess I should try to find another stud.  That will be impossible to find because it has a course thread on the bell housing side and a fine thread on the trans. side of the stud.  what about Merle's idea of stepping on the clutch.  My clutch isn't hooked up yet.  Do you think it could be the clutch fork or release bearing getting stuck?  Are the clips that hold the release bearing to the fork supposed to be somewhat loose?  Marc.

[Dodgeb4ya]

Yes you can step on the clutch too.

The two lower factory studs will hold the trans in perfect alignment ready to push in.

Possibly the disc moved when you pulled the trans out this last time.

You might first try inserting your old input shaft to be sure it goes in all the way before attempting installing the trans again.

As for the stud...a good hardware or Fastenal store should have the correct stud. But...you don't have to use it...I would.

I was just looking at that lower housing today with those two studs on a straight 8 Chrysler.

 

[Bryan]

On 12/23/2021 at 3:04 AM, MarcDeSoto said:

I only have one lower 3" stud in.  there was a bolt holding the trans. in the other hole.  I guess I should try to find another stud.  That will be impossible to find because it has a course thread on the bell housing side and a fine thread on the trans. side of the stud.  what about Merle's idea of stepping on the clutch.  My clutch isn't hooked up yet.  Do you think it could be the clutch fork or release bearing getting stuck?  Are the clips that hold the release bearing to the fork supposed to be somewhat loose?  Marc.

Marc - the input shaft for the clutch. Could you measure it and count the splines? Looking at alternate parts.

[MarcDeSoto]

Bryan, my input shaft is 13 3/4" long.  It has ten splines that go through the clutch disc.  I finally got my transmission installed correctly today.  We got the trans to go all the way in just by tightening the nuts on the studs that go into the bell housing.  

[Bryan]

6 hours ago, MarcDeSoto said:

Bryan, my input shaft is 13 3/4" long.  It has ten splines that go through the clutch disc.  I finally got my transmission installed correctly today.  We got the trans to go all the way in just by tightening the nuts on the studs that go into the bell housing.  

I'll measure mine today more accurately.  I did a quick measurement yesterday.  The thick part of the shaft near the transmission was 1 1/2" diameter, in front of the splines the shiny bearing surface was 1" diameter, and the small bearing surface on the tip was 0.5 (1/2)" diameter.  Confused because I bought a pilot bushing PB-286-HD that is not 0.5" inner diameter.

[Bryan]

Mine is 11 1/2" long if measured at base of flange (face of transmission).   10 splines 1.25" diameter top of spline to spline.  Think I have a problem..got 1/8-1/4" play at end of shaft (side to side wiggle, not end play).