I have a '73 cuda put a new McLead clutch in; behousing aligned, used a plastic clutch tool, and the roller crank bushing.

I can not get the trans to go in past the start of the splines, fought with the thing for 4 hours last night...

Any suggestions?

Thinking about unbolting the pressure plate so the clutch can move and tighing it up after the trans is in.

I tried pulling it with some bolts with no luck, shook the thing, jiggled the output shaft with it in gear...

NO luck...

I have had some trouble before but nothing like this...

Any suggestions...

THANKS!

It's always a good idea to slip the new disc over the trans input shaft beforehand, to be sure of fit. Too late for that, but you would not be the first to have alignment trouble, even after using tool to line up beforehand. I would try to use a prybar to depress fork to release the clutch, while wiggling the trans and inserting it further, while keeping it as parallel as possible to crank centerline. Also rotate tailshaft or trans itself, back and forth to help align teeth to clutch. If you're sure it gets into disc, then you have to be certain of proper engagement to pilot bearing too. Fun, ain't it?

You have matching 23 or 18 spline counts on the clutch and input shaft, right?

Having done this recently I can say it doesn't just slip in, def takes some effort but not four hours worth.

Make sure the throwout bearing isn't cocked sideways too.

A super thin bit of grease on the splines helps, make sure not too much or it will fly into the clutch.

Hey Richard,

You know I have a 23 spline input shaft laying around from that tranny I have apart. Would be happy to swing by and use it to check your alinement. Let me know when is a good time for you.

Do something to depress the clutch just a tad....use a prybar if you dont have the linkage hooked up..

By releasing the disk just a tad it allows it to move just enough. Even with the "alignment tool" they never align perfect.

OK - I got it in

A BIG thanks to the following people:
challenger1 (Gary): Who dropped a 23 spline input shaft over to my house - clear on the other side of town!

MarkZ (mark) for comming over and giving me enough crap to get it in; along with helping losen the pressure plate to realign the disk

Mike: for helping me and turning the motor over so we can put the pressure plate back on...

Thanks to all!

Didn't know Markz was gonna be there...