T56 install

[Markie D]

Has anyone installed T56 Magnum in the MK IV? Im having a hell of a time getting the trans to mount to the bellhousing. I'm using a Ram dual disc clutch. the disc are all aligned. Am I missing something? Has anyone got any suggestions? The trans won't pull flush to the bellhousing, there's about a 1/2" gap. No matter what I do it just won't go any further in. I pulled the bellhousing off, then aligned the trans to the pilot bearing, it all fit. I've even gone as far as pulling the entire clutch assembly off the flywheel. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ProJoe]

is it a factory bellhousing? what engine?

1/2 in gap sounds like the snout of the input shaft isn't making it into the pilot bearing OR it's some issue with the clutch and an incorrect throwout bearing.

[Markie D]

Fork type lever for the TOB, and its not installed....this was a test fit.

[Duke]

Yes, I have the exact same setup. It was a huge PITA. It took a combination of having the motor on engine 'legs' on the ground, holding the trans with an engine hoist, and slowly working it into place so I can get 2 bolts started with about 1-2 threads each. I then used the bolts to walk the trans into place being very careful to keep it aligned. Overall it took about 2hrs. Not fun.

I'm still a little worried something isn't totally right though. I'm close to first start so we'll find out soon enough. I assume if you are using the same combo that I am then it came from Mike. You may want to give him a call and get his thoughts too. I have a few parts to return to him so I may be in his shop in the next week or two. I'll ask in person too when I'm there.

[rich grsc]

Yes, I have the exact same setup. It was a huge PITA. It took a combination of having the motor on engine 'legs' on the ground, holding the trans with an engine hoist, and slowly working it into place so I can get 2 bolts started with about 1-2 threads each. I then used the bolts to walk the trans into place being very careful to keep it aligned. Overall it took about 2hrs. Not fun.

I'm still a little worried something isn't totally right though. I'm close to first start so we'll find out soon enough. I assume if you are using the same combo that I am then it came from Mike. You may want to give him a call and get his thoughts too. I have a few parts to return to him so I may be in his shop in the next week or two. I'll ask in person too when I'm there.

You should never need to pull the transmission in place with the bolts, something doesn't seem right!!

[ProJoe]

slowly working it into place so I can get 2 bolts started with about 1-2 threads each. I then used the bolts to walk the trans into place being very careful to keep it aligned. .


while this may have worked for you I HIGHLY advise against it. For everyone else out there, if the transmission cannot be mated by hand something is not aligned correctly and using bolts, no matter how careful you are, can cause damage.

[2bking]

Yes, I have the exact same setup. It was a huge PITA. It took a combination of having the motor on engine 'legs' on the ground, holding the trans with an engine hoist, and slowly working it into place so I can get 2 bolts started with about 1-2 threads each. I then used the bolts to walk the trans into place being very careful to keep it aligned. Overall it took about 2hrs. Not fun.

I'm still a little worried something isn't totally right though. I'm close to first start so we'll find out soon enough. I assume if you are using the same combo that I am then it came from Mike. You may want to give him a call and get his thoughts too. I have a few parts to return to him so I may be in his shop in the next week or two. I'll ask in person too when I'm there.
While some are cautioning against using the bolts to walk the transmission into place, it may be the only way to get the last half inch of the install. The hole in the bell housing and the flange on the transmission are a very tight and known as a line to line fit. Depending on the tolerances of the bell housing and transmission flange, they may not slip together easily. If the mounting bolts get hard to turn before the transmission is flush, then something isn't right. Brute force is never a good idea.

[GoDadGo]

Here's An Ignorant Question From The Dark Side:

1. I can see why you all are having installation issues since that transmission in the car as appears to be around 32 inches long, but not seating to the bellhousing?
2. Are there any other 6-Speed transmissions that will work with a Ford power plant other than the T-56?
3. Sorry to post my ignorant question, but ignorance can be cured with knowledge while stupid is forever.

Steve >> aka: GoDadGo

[NAZ]

I'm with ProJoe, if it's that tight something is wrong and forcing it will not cure the problem. Are you sure the input spline is indexed with the clutch discs? Are the clutch discs installed backward? Have you "dialed in" (checked concentricity) your bell housing? Are you using eccentric locating pins? Are the locating pins and the bell housing locating holes the same diameter? Have you measured the actual stack height of the clutch and compared that to the stack height of the trans input shaft, T/O bearing & sleeve?

[Duke]

while this may have worked for you I HIGHLY advise against it. For everyone else out there, if the transmission cannot be mated by hand something is not aligned correctly and using bolts, no matter how careful you are, can cause damage.

I agree, it's not the right or recommended approach. I do know everything 'fit' correctly as it was all packaged on a pallet as a single unit, installed together by Mike Forte prior to my pickup. My only real concern is the pilot bearing and possibly having damaged it or pushed it in (which I'm not even sure is possible).

[Markie D]

Thanks to everyone who chimed in on this subject. I've decided to buy another fork, TOB, and pilot bearing and give it another try. for this attempt I made some guide pins. I cut the heads off some bolts, slightly tapered them, then will install them into the back of the engine and use this set up to help guide the combo into place. I've already installed the bell housing onto the trans, so wish me luck. Any other comments would be appreciated.

[Markie D]

......Oh, It's a 351W.....Quicktime Bell Housing......

[NAZ]

I've used the same method of cutting down cap screws to make guide pins. It helps removal to make a screwdriver slot in the exposed end. Good luck.

[edwardb]

I found the transmission housing to bell housing with the Quicktime bell is very nearly a zero clearance fit. Two for two. Using bolts as guide pins is a good idea. It needs to be dead straight to go in. I confess, I've used the mounting bolts to walk it in. Round and round and turning just a little at a time. It goes it pretty easy this way and the bolts aren't hard to turn. Obviously watching very closely that the input shaft was going into the pilot bearing properly, the splines were engaging the clutch disk properly, etc. No amount of pushing or tugging any other way would get it in.

[grluisi150]

The T56 is tighter then the other Tremec transmissions. I have the T56 with Coyote and had a problem also. I ended up taking apart everything and found a clutch guide dowel was not fully seated. after reinstalling and using guide pins, everything came together. I used the engine lift and made a rope cradle to hold the weight of the T56. You should not need to use the bolts to draw the transmission in.

[1932]

T56 & coyote,Q T bell. Went in good with trans held with strap and lift. Had two pilot bearings used ford one, it has lip and can not go in past that. Good luck! But if not working walk off and come back to it later!

[edwardb]

The T56 is tighter then the other Tremec transmissions. I have the T56 with Coyote and had a problem also. I ended up taking apart everything and found a clutch guide dowel was not fully seated. after reinstalling and using guide pins, everything came together. I used the engine lift and made a rope cradle to hold the weight of the T56. You should not need to use the bolts to draw the transmission in.

I was one that admitted to doing this, so will comment. I agree in general, but I was specifically citing experience with the Quicktime bell housing. It simply will not go with the usual manual pushing, pulling, and words. :p I've done two Quicktimes and they were both the same.

[GoDadGo]

I think the Guide Bolt/Pin Idea is a good one.

It could make reinstalling the transmission after changing a clutch a lot easier.

Great Idea!