It's been a learning curve, but the T-56 is now mated to the Coyote. A few head-scratching moments (what else is new!) along the way. I definitely learned a lot. To be honest, previously I couldn't have accurately described all the parts/pieces and their associated function. Now I know. This was a good experience.

  • Clutch disc and pressure plate: True confession time: I couldn’t figure out why the pressure plate didn’t sit flush against the clutch disc. Best I could figure is one (or more) of the clutch pins was less than plumb. Not sure how to verify that assumption. Which brings me to the embarrassing part: I drilled out the clutch pin holes in the pressure plate 1/64” over. Surely, a tiny bit of added wiggle room would allow the pressure plate to sit flush, right? It didn’t help at all. So, back to YouTube (again!) to see more installation examples. I finally caught an off-hand comment on Rsnake’s build (video 64). He mentioned how he was evenly torquing the pressure plate bolts in a crisscross pattern so as not to distort the fingers. Hmmmmm…. So, that must mean the pressure plate is drawn flush by the fasteners, like a spring of sorts. Makes sense now, of course. Sheesh!
  • McLeod throwout bearing: long story short: after some guidance from McLeod tech support, I was able to install the bearing and obtain the needed clearance (0.100 → 0.250). Their instruction doc (included in the box) was less than clear to me. It also didn’t help that I got different measurements to the bearing face between the right, left, and top of the T-56 face. So, I made sure all three were >0.100 but less than <0.250. A bit of brake fluid on the shaft eased the bearing install. It’s a tight fit! If this needs to be removed down the road, I imagine a steering wheel puller or similar would be needed. Oh, and the recommended MC size is 3/4". I bought the 13/16" for the Tilton TOB, so will be listing it for sale in case anyone is interested. For those going with Tilton, I believe they recommend 13/16", but that should be verified with them.
  • Tick Performance splash guard: the leaking T-56 issue that recently hit my radar (thanks to Lewma and JimStone) would be unwelcome. So, I installed the Tick Performance splash guard underneath the shifter cover plate. Figured if I don’t install it, mine will leak for sure. This doesn’t look easy to do once the trans is installed. So, I put the trans up on my workbench and took care of it while the getting was easy.
  • Transmission to motor: I’ve read about some of the struggles to get these mated together. I leveled the motor in my DIY cradle, and also leveled the T-56. I put a light touch of grease on the front of the splines, as well as the locating pins. Not sure how much either of those precautions helped, but it didn’t fight me very much. Phew! I will probably install the starter now as well; I don’t think it causes any interference when dropping in the drivetrain. If someone knows otherwise, please let me know.


JimStone did a nice job documenting the Tick Performance splash guard, so I don't have much to add. Just a couple views. I put a light dab of blue Loctite on those #6 serrated nuts. Don’t want those falling down into the gear box…Uff da!







McLeod TOB installed with required clearance. They recommend adding a piece of rubber hose over the 5/16” braided flex lines to protect them where they exit the bellhousing. Good idea!




And, finally everything together. The rope was used to lift the T-56 off my workbench with my HF engine hoist. I used HF dollies to scoot it around and into position.