stupid Trans install question.

I've never done a trans swap before... This is an Sm465/D20 to my existing 304 using a novak adapter bell housing, and and AA 465 to d20 kit.

Do I install the bell to the trans first, then bolt to the motor, or do I install the bell to the motor first, then bolt the trans.

I'm thinking its bell to trans first.


I'm pumped to get this done, with the 465 and the tera-low d20 I'm getting into the 75:1 crawl ratio neighborhood.... mmm creepy.

 

I've always done it with the bell to the motor first. I think it will be easier to align the input shaft with the clutch disc. Also use some threaded rod in the trans bolt holes on the bell to help align the trans as it all goes together.

 

I took out my transmission 3 time off the engine...i always reinstall the thing with the bell on the trans . Never have any problem with that. Did you change the clutch ? Just make sur you have put it in the good way. Last time i mounted it backward and i wasn't able the dissengage the clucht, have to took the trans out to resolve the problem.

My 2 cents

 

I had to go bell to trans first on mine due to a bolt that went in to the trans from the bell side.

and the fork mounts to the bell and throwout bearing in such a way that it would be near impossible to put together once it's all mounted on the engine.

And I've always just done it that way.

 

Maybe it depends how the clutch fork, TO bearing and bell to trans all go together. For the T18 to 304 swap it all went together easily without bolting it all to the trans first. I can't imagine wrestling a big truck box in place with anyhing bolted up beforehand.

 

I've always assembled the bell to the motor, then mounted the trans to the bell. I don't think there's any rule that says you have to do it either way - just pick the method that seems most convenient.

Personally I'd rather put the whole shebang together on the shop floor and put it all in at once.

 

I've done it both ways, and they both work. Technically, if you want to be really picky about it, you're supposed to mount the bell to the engine first and check the centerline to make sure it's completely aligned with the crank centerline. Then attach the trans to the bell. But I don't know anyone who does that. There are instructions on Novak's website for how to do this, and they sell alignment dowels if your bell is not perfectly centered. Probably important in a high RPM racing application, but on a Jeep, not so much. When I just reinstalled the T176 in my CJ5 it absolutely refused to go in place as a unit, but when I unbolted the bell and mounted it to the engine first everything simply fell into place. Weird. A couple weeks earlier I swapped AX15's in my Scrambler and did it with the bell on the trans, and it fell into place with no issues. So whichever works best for you, take your pick.

 

That's what I'm thinking. Should be easier to align the throwout bearing and clutch fork that way. The only thing making me consider bell to motor first is that the 465 is a heavy pig, and it doesn't need any more weight. I certaintly wont be bolting up the D20 until the trans is in place...

 

Not having access to a lift I had to turn the T18 on its side to get it under the frame rails. Then wrestle it upright on the tranny jack. And the SM465 is bigger. Of course if your tub is off then all this is moot.
Good luck, it's worth the effort.

 

I wouldn't call it a stupid question. You beat me to starting this thread topic! If it wasn't for questions (no matter how simple or how complex), there would be little to no point in forums, or the Internet. I've had some "stupid" questions; search for threads started by me. Some of my ramblings don't get a reply. I do more reading than posting, and this thread helps me install my "new" t15 and d20 in my jeep.

 

that is my perfered method as well. It is a little more work if the engine is not out but I hate lying on my back trying to get the damn thing to line up. Really easy to slip in place if ya pull the grill as well.

 

I will be using a full shop with lifts and a trans jack. It's good to have connections.