Got an 1989 rs with a 305 v8 and non world class t5 tranny. Replaced clutch, now can’t not for the life of me get it lined up to reinstall transmission main shaft catches pressure plate spring by about 1/2 inch and I can’t not figure out how to line it up right. I’ve tried literally every angle possible. Any tips? I got front end on jackstands and rear end on ramps and car is close to level. Only need 1/2 inch more room but the bell housing keeps hitting the metal housing above the bell housing. I’m to the point where I’m gonna just take a hammer to the housing and make more room that way.

 

Did you take the bellhousing off the transmission? It reads like you're trying to install it all as one unit.

If you did remove it and are trying to mate the trans to the bellhousing:

Did you use the clutch alignment tool?

Did you replace the pilot bushing?

It was a tight fit getting my NWC t-5 in, but I was able to get it 99% there (maybe 1/4" out) and then just gently tightened the bolts in a star pattern to seat it. However, I never had an issue with it not lining up.

 

On another vehicle (fsc) which doesn't have a separate bell NV3500, I shoved it in as far as I could and wrestled with it while supported with a floor jack until I gave up. Next day went to the big box store for some bolts and made some alignment pins. Once the alignment pins were installed, the last few inches went in with no effort.

If it is as Redleader289^^^then yeah split it from the bell housing and you can do the same^^^but of course the trans to bell housing bolts are much bigger.

 

Thanks guys, I was able to get it by installing the bellhousing then the transmission. was still a huge pain in the butt, but its over now lol.