I have a 1998 camaro with a 3800 V6 and a 5 speed manual transmission. The release bearing went bad and I took the transmission out to replace the clutch set, slave cylinder, and flywheel. I have the new clutch set bolted up, and the slave cylinder installed onto the transmission.

I need to re-install the transmission, but I can't seem to get the input shaft high enough to line up with the pilot bearing before the top of the bellhousing hits the underside of the car. I can't seem to place a jack anywhere under the engine that will tilt the engine back to help line things up.

I'm thinking that I might be able to get things lined up if I disconnect the engine mounts and lower or tilt the engine a little bit. I haven't decided whether or not to rent/ borrow an engine hoist, or put a block of wood under the oil pan and hope that I don't wreck it.

Any advice from someone that's been there and done that?

 

if the back needs to go down , put a block between jack and the belt pulleys or damper if you can, then lift there and it will push down the back.
but... be sure there is nothing stopping the top of the motor from going back towards the firewall. there might be something already stopping it there, as if you could see it any ways with the winshield coming soo far forward. lol

 

When you put the clutch assembly together, did you use a pilot alignment tool? Your disc could be off center if you didn't, which is going to make it difficult to slide the trans in place.

 

the alignment tool usually comes with the clutch set now.
i am starting to be overloaded with tools in my set i bought years ago from mac.
seems like they started giving them away right after i bought the set

 

I used the alignment tool to put the clutch disc in. I just can't get the transmission up high enough to get the input shaft at the same level as the pilot bearing and center of the clutch. When the input shaft is maybe two inches below the center of the clutch and touching the fingers of the release plate, the bellhousing is up against the floor and won't go any further. I tried tilting the tail of the transmission up and down, and that didn't work.

On the V6, the pulleys don't stick out past the crossmember and power steering assembly that goes between the front wheels, so I don't see a way to put a wood block and a jack on the front of the engine, unless maybe I put it under the oil filter (needs an oil change too).

I think I need to get my hands on an engine hoist to pull up on the front of the engine, or to disconnect the motor mounts and lower the engine down a little.

Any thoughts?

 

i just did the clutch on my 95 3.4 and man was it a btch it took me and my dad hrs of wrestling that tranny into place i took a piece of 3/4 inch pvc pipe and wedged it between the rad support and the throttle body to push the engine back a little just keep working at it its not an easy job the way these cars were designed

 

no i wouldn;t put any pressure on the oil filter!!! the housing is not made to take it.
the engine hoist idea might work but carful not to tear the mounts.
get a couple extra helpers to push on the front top like basic concepts did.
just be carful not to break something if you slip of where your pushing.
usually the motor is lowered into the mounts soo looseneing the bolts might not do much

 

i was told loosening the motor mounts wouldnt do anything but give you a headache just push on the motor and wedge something in there like i said its no easy task

 

well if you're really brave and have the right equipment , you could drop the rear of the front sub-frame a little to get the room you need.
when you do an engine in these things ... that's what i saw at the dealer ...
drop them out the bottom on the frame with the tranny, no sweat!
but if you're just at home in you're drive way, i don't think it would be a great idea, just incase it falls too far down and tears out you're wiring harness and coolant lines.

 

just wrestle it youll get it spin the output shaft you might not be getting the splines to line up dont start taking more sht apart your just going to make it harder for yourself