Ford aluminum bell housing below the frame rails

[lgordon]

I know there have been many posts recommending trimming a ballistic steel bell housing if it hangs below the frame rails in a MK4. However I haven't been able to locate any posts regarding what to do if you have an aluminum bell housing that hangs below the frame rails by 1/4". I have FFR IRS and a Coyote TKO600 engine / transmission package from Factory Five AT which includes the Ford aluminum bell housing. As many others, I had to add a 3/4" spacer between the transmission mount and transmission tail shaft to get the phasing right.

My car is finished, including a great paint job by Jeff Miller and ready for registration as soon as WA state loosens up on COVID-19 isolation measures, which in WA includes suspending VIN inspections. I'm really hoping suggested solutions won't include pulling the engine or removing the body!!

[rich grsc]

Whats that mean, is there a question? :confused:
Ok, thanks for editing the post, now it makes perfect sense.

[lgordon]

Has anyone successfully tried the Ford aluminum bell housing? Are there reasons why its ok to trim the lip of a steel bell housing but not an aluminum one? Are there alternate solutions to protect the bell housing from speed bumps?

[Railroad]

It is normal for the bell housing to be lower than the engine oil pan. I used a cut off wheel and then a 4" grinder, dressed it off with a sanding disc. I taped a piece of slotted metal angle framing on the edge of the oil pan, in the event the grinder grabbed or jumped off the bell housing. Hope this helps.

[lgordon]

Thanks! It’s comforting to know someone else was able to trim an aluminum bell housing. Also thanks for the tip about protecting the oil pan when cutting/grinding. I’ve experienced a power tool grabbing when drilling or cutting aluminum. Things can get messy in a hurry!

[edwardb]

Don't know that I would chase a 1/4-inch. If you hit that you're really close elsewhere to say the least. How's your pinion angle and transmission mount spacer? Any chance of raising the tail of the transmission a little? Otherwise, I'd be tempted to leave it alone. The trims I've done on a couple of QuickTime bells were nearing an inch. Big difference.