Currently in the middle of my T56 conversion, today we were trying to get the trans installed and just couldn't get it on all the way. Seems to have about 1/2" to go before the trans case will be flush with the bell housing. Tried wiggling it adjusting the angle and still no go. Any tips on getting this to go the last 1/2" or so?

FYI I am using a Mcleod Street Twin if that matters

 

I had the same problem. I bought two longer bolts and used them to pull the trans in. Worked great.

 

I have had engagement problems. But none now with this proceedure (done 2 times on 97 with MM6 trans)...
Line up trans and partial engage mainshaft into pilot bearing.
Trans is on floor jack @ alignment angle so it can roll forward.
Assemble Hyd clutch.
Push clutch pedal with hand partially forward.
This releases clutch disc into alignment with trans dowels and pilot bearing. Also pulls trans forward into complete engagement.
Finish assembly.

I have tried the longer bolt technique with limited success due to possible alum bell thread strip. I do not use this technique due to potential failure of the alum threads.
HTH B.

 

DO NOT USE BOLTS TO CLOSE THE GAP. you will strip the aluminum threads. i just went through the same dillema and found out all i had to do was turn the engine a couple of times by hand, it all slipped in place. it was bound up a little. good luck.

 

I had about a 1/4" to go, I used a couple of bolts on both sides of the trans to pull it together. It made it extremely easy, they also turned in very easy so I am confident there was little to no binding at all.

 

Do not use the bolt method to pull it together. What you can do is put a little bit of wheel bearing grease on the splines and very end of the input shaft to help with binding. Don't use alot, just enough to coat the surface so everything slides easily. Something I always do to, especially with aftermarket pilot bearings/bushings is slide them onto the end of the input shaft before installing the tranny to make sure that it will fit. Out of the many (over 20) t56 trans I've installed (with new pilot bearings or bushings), I ran across one pilot bushing that a customer supplied to me for a trans swap that did not fit onto the input shaft.