A Quick 4-Speed Question...

[Lighthorseman]

So, my newly built 440 came home, and I am trying to put the 4-speed on.  I bolted up the bellhousing, and now the issue I have is that I cannot get the input shaft all the way in.  The clutch came with a plastic thing that simulates the input shaft, and it seems to be exactly the same as the one on my 4-speed.  Any ideas what I may be doing wrong?  I don't want to start trying to force things lest I screw something up.

Thanks!
- Steve -

[A383Wing]

maybe the center of crankshaft is not drilled deep enough to accept the input shaft of the trans?

are you sure that the crankshaft that is installed in the engine is actually for a manual trans and not an automatic trans?

[Lighthorseman]

Thanks for the response, Bryan!  Well, the clutch is attached to the flywheel, and there is a little plastic thingy in the input shaft hole, which I assume is just to keep dirt out.  It measures exactly the same length and so on the 4-speed shaft, and it fits beautifully.

It seem to me that the smooth part of the shaft goes in just fine, but comes to a dead stop as soon as the "teeth" are supposed to engage.  Are there different sized "teeth" on 4-speed trannies?  The ones my 4-speed has look to be exactly the same as the ones on the plastic stopper.  Do I have to put a little oil on the "teeth" or something?

Thanks to anyone who can help!
- Steve -

[A383Wing]

there should not be anything in the hole in the crankshaft except the pilot bushing, and it's not plastic.

there are only 2 different splines, 18 tooth, or 23 tooth splines on disc and trans input shaft. Do not "oil" the teeth....it's either wrong or it's right....alignment is off or something. Maybe remove the "plastic" thingy?

pics would help here