MK4 Transmission Alignment

[lewma]

All

We installed our Coyote / TKO600 yesterday into the chassis. It all went fine until we got to the point of installing the driveshaft. It seems that we need some kind of spacer installed on the rear of the transmission to bring the driveshaft into alignment and stop it hitting on the frame as it's doing now.

What is everyone recommending for spacers in this case ?

thanks!
mark

[Boydster]

I started off with stacks of washers so I could adjust the height, especially when setting driveshaft angles. When done and all is good, you can order some aluminum block or spacers in the correct thickness.

[edwardb]

Had that exact combination (Coyote, TKO, IRS) in #8674. A 3/4-inch thick spacer was just right. Made it out of a piece of aluminum from McMaster. Just visible in the second picture.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2001252014/th_IMG_2420_zps720c6ea1.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2001252014/IMG_2420_zps720c6ea1.jpg.html)

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2001252014/th_IMG_2427_zpsbd0e0975.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2001252014/IMG_2427_zpsbd0e0975.jpg.html)

[lewma]

I started off with stacks of washers so I could adjust the height, especially when setting driveshaft angles. When done and all is good, you can order some aluminum block or spacers in the correct thickness.

Sounds good thanks. Did you run into any issues with lateral alignment ? Seems like the engine/transmission is lining up a little off center left/right ?

[lewma]

Had that exact combination (Coyote, TKO, IRS) in #8674. A 3/4-inch thick spacer was just right. Made it out of a piece of aluminum from McMaster. Just visible in the second picture.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2001252014/th_IMG_2420_zps720c6ea1.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2001252014/IMG_2420_zps720c6ea1.jpg.html)

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2001252014/th_IMG_2427_zpsbd0e0975.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2001252014/IMG_2427_zpsbd0e0975.jpg.html)

Thanks Paul! I think I may swing by Home Depot on the way home and pick up some aluminum bar. I'll get it in 1/4" thickness then stack them as needed. You think this should be ok ?

[edwardb]

Thanks Paul! I think I may swing by Home Depot on the way home and pick up some aluminum bar. I'll get it in 1/4" thickness then stack them as needed. You think this should be ok ?

Sure. That works. Just cut/drill three times instead of once. :p

[Boydster]

Sounds good thanks. Did you run into any issues with lateral alignment ? Seems like the engine/transmission is lining up a little off center left/right ?

I dont have a Coyote nor IRS, so any comments from me on equipment would be pointless. But the stack of washers worked well as an adjustable shim until things got finaled up.

[CraigS]

I have had a stack of washers in mine for 9 yrs and all is well. Your 1/4 aluminum stack would be even better. BTW, the engine/trans are definitely not centered in the frame.

[edwardb]

Did you run into any issues with lateral alignment ? Seems like the engine/transmission is lining up a little off center left/right ?

Not an issue. The engine/transmission is designed to be offset to the right. Somewhere in the 1 to 1-1/2 inches range. Totally normal and intentional. You'll notice the differential connection for the driveshaft is offset a similar amount. Also normal due to the offset of the pinion to the ring gear. BTW, many DD's with the same drivetrain configuration are the same way.

[jlfernan]

Forte has those spacers in 1/4" increments.

[chuckster]

Ditto, I got my spacers from Mike Forte

[phileas_fogg]

If you've got a Metco drive shaft safety loop, don't be surprised if the spacer you put under the tail of the transmission requires you to put spacers between the hoop and the frame. You'll also need longer bolts. The picture below is for my T5, but you get the idea.

Cheers,


John

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4300/36123030332_90be987c60_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X34YpN)IMG_3369 (https://flic.kr/p/X34YpN) by jhsitton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91016165@N07/), on Flickr

[lewma]

thanks everyone for the feedback, I went to Lowes today and picked up aluminum bar and some longer bolts too. Should work out fine

[bill3422]

88724
I just used a 1"x 1" tube. Cut the ends at en angle to make it easier to get in to fasten it down.

[Bobby Doug]

Thanks Paul! I think I may swing by Home Depot on the way home and pick up some aluminum bar. I'll get it in 1/4" thickness then stack them as needed. You think this should be ok ?

I used 1/4” spacers stacked. No problems after 3K miles. You will need longer bolts.

[Ducky2009]

thanks everyone for the feedback, I went to Lowes today and picked up aluminum bar and some longer bolts too. Should work out fine

Food for thought.... Bolt the spacers between the trans and trans mount. If you ever need to pull the trans, they won't fall out.... don't have to worry about where they go.

Second thing. As you're doing this, look at the engine oil pan in relation to the 4" frame rails. I originally installed a 1/4" shim, enough to keep the drive shaft from hitting the frame. As I was installing the headers, I realized the oil pan was below the frame. Increasing to 3/4" spacer brought the oil pan above the bottom of the frame.

[ckrueger]

Used the same thing on mine.