79RX7IA

After having a hell of a time getting the pilot bearing out (had to dremel it) I'm finally ready to install the transmission.

I need some suggestions of how to get the transmission lined up to the engine? I have it sort of half *** hanging by the exhaust at the moment. I cant seem to be able to get the transmission input shaft in the flywheel correctly... mostly due to the fact that i cant get it lined up! Its too heavy for me to lay under it and hold it all and line it up..

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

I take it you used a pilot tool to properly install the clutch disc?

Best advice I can give you is go to the hardware store and get some extra long bolts and cut the heads off. Get 2 of them and place them at opposite sides in the engine then lift the transmission up and slide the transmission in place. I have done this before and it works great.

79RX7IA

The long bolt Idea is great! If I can find some really long bolts to use along with a rolling jack maybe i can get it in!

And yes, I did use the tool when installing the clutch. Its just hard to get that damn transmission in place when your on your back using only tire jacks haha!

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

a floor jack would help tremendously. sometimes u may have to rotate the shaft for the splines of the input shaft to line up in the disk.

rx71king

iTrader: (6)

ok...this is how i get my trans in. lay your body facing to the rear roll the trans on your chest ..

rx71king

iTrader: (6)

pic's are worth a thousand words now you have leverage to get the trans into place

Whisper

When I did my transmission, I got a proper transmission jack from Harbor Freight. The 400 lb one, screw type, not hydraulic. Has a tilt tray and everything, for proper lining up. It was pretty cheap and made installation a million times easier. Pair that up with long guide studs as Doctor mentioned, and it's a piece of cake. You might need to work the transmission a bit to get the input shaft to go in, and using a proper amount of grease on the splines helps too. The last few mm I had to pull it in with bolts, but by then I knew it was lined up properly, so nothing got damaged.

rx71king

iTrader: (6)

i never damaged a pilot bearing . those bearing are all most in indestructable .

Jeezus

iTrader: (4)

Perfect! Just make sure you cap off the driveshaft end of the trans (I use spray can
cap) or you will be drinking some delicious trans oil!

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

i just leave the shaft in it, and use the already mentioned floor jack.

Twilightoptics

iTrader: (1)

$4 schucks butt plug!


Make sure to use a clutch alignment tool. Best tip on using the tool since they are a little loose.... as you tighten down the clutch, make sure you can move the tool in and out effortlessly. Adjust as necessary. This gets the disc more close to center than just shoving it in there and tightening the clutch down.

These trans are light. Do as others said and roll it onto your chest. This is where some good heavy duty jack stands come in handy. Get that car in the air! So you have room to lift it up. Don't rest the trans on it's input shaft.

Roll it up there and jiggle it around. It'll go if you didn't fubar the pilot bearing/seal.

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

Do be careful manuvering the trans if you are planning to manhandle it ala rx71king. I did a stupid thing and tried to lift one onto my chest from the wrong position (behind my head as I laid on the floor under the car) and screwed my shoulder up something fierce. Fifteen years later I'm still paying for it.

zaridar

iTrader: (3)

yeah no ****!! haha

zaridar

iTrader: (3)

they make a pilot bearing removal tool you can borrow from Autozone for free with the slide hammer.. just need a deposit. also you could fill the hole with grease and put a bolt just smaller than the ID of the bearing in it and whack it with a hammer.... hydraulics

These trannys arent too heavy get a friend to help. if you have the car high enough it shouldnt be too hard. i changed mine twice by myself with no jack... good luck