Hi guys, I solved the motor mount issue now I need HELP with the tranny install.
I'm installing a newly built Muncie M20 onto a 427 TD and Lakewood bellhousing.
I bolted the Centerforce clutch and Lakewood up while engine was out. I used the alignment tool and tightened everything down.
Installed the motor, now trying to install the Muncie from underneath. I can not get it to go all the way in. The best I get is 1/2" out and it seems the Muncie seal plate (1/2"thick approx 4.75" dia.) is the only thing not going in.
I enlarged the bellhousing opening a bit but it still will not go in that last 1/2" inch.
Should I pull the motor and assemble everything then reinstall???
Help is greatly and always appreciated form you experts.
Thanks in advance
JZ

There is a number of things that could be an issue here. But most likely you just have not got everything inline at the right moment, when it gets that final push into place.

Is the motor, trans, bell, and clutch all new to each other??

Making the hole in the Lakewood can bigger is not a good idea, that is an indexing hole, of a specific size to align the trans and crank.

---Bill.

Yes everything is new to each other, I'm building from scratch.
The enlarging is maybe a few .001 of an inch. I believe I'm going to pull the motor tomorrow and assemble and install as a unit.
JZ

Sounds like your clutch disk alignment is less than perfect, happens all the time. Hook up the clutch linkage, and have a helper press the clutch pedal while you stab her home.

I'm going to pull the motor tomorrow and assemble and install as a unit.
JZ

Hook up the clutch linkage, and have a helper press the clutch pedal while you stab her home.

Before you go to the trouble of pulling the motor back out, try what Jim said. That has worked for me in the past:yes:

---Bill.

That's a great idea, I'll try that.
Thanks!!!!!!

Sounds like your clutch disk alignment is less than perfect, happens all the time. Hook up the clutch linkage, and have a helper press the clutch pedal while you stab her home.

That's exactly what I had to do as well with the same problem you had. It had been so long since I had done a 4 speed (25 years or so) that I thought it was just me nut after fighting with it for several hours I did that and it slid right in.

That'll be great if that solves the problem, but it's also quite possible the pilot bushing/bearing is not being met straight on. This could be a headache, as it's possible the bell housing is off more than a few thousands. I don't believe this will matter as much with a M20, but man, I feel your pain; your opening post/story is exactly what cost me several hours of headache and anguish today while trying install a TKO-600:o. In fact, CC5spd sells a bell housing that's guaranteed to be within .005, and that you may skip using a dial indicator. I ordered one for peace of mind. Wrong move. Not only didn't it fit with my large starter, but I couldn't drive it home either. I didn't have a dial indicator available to me, so I swapped to my old BH and was able to get it in:confused:. And as some of you can appreciate, this was done with the engine in and in my driveway on jack stands, and was a real PIA. I'm not even done yet! A T-Storm rolled through about 7PM and I had to shut it down for today.

I hope the clutch trick works for you!

YEP that did it!!!
I had to fab a bracket to mount the pivot ball in the correct position on the block. It's a TD 427 and had no provision for the ball.
I had my wife push the pedal in, I grunted a few times and almost gave up and 1 more slight push and it seated perfectly.

Now on to the next assembly fun's,, Headers, exhaust, drive shaft, shifter linkage.
Thanks a LOT guys!!!!!
JZ

YEP that did it!!!

JZ

That great.:hurray: