Tips and tricks for 440 install

[metallicareload99]

I'm having trouble putting the 440 back in my 68 Charger.  440, 4-Speed, 1 3/4" hedman headers, manual steering.

Currently, the transmission and bellhousing is still bolted into the car, and the 440 is assembled with the clutch.  I can get the engine within a inch or two of where it needs to be, but then it appears to get hung up on the input shaft of the transmission.  Sometimes it seems like the motor mounts get hung up before the engine is in position, but I think the main hold up is the input shaft wont go into the pilot bearing.  I'm using a jack to change the height of the transmission, but the main issue seems to be with the alignment of the input shaft with the pilot bearing.  I did use an alignment tool when installing the clutch.

I had a similar problem before except the engine, clutch and bellhousing was assembled and bolted in and I tried to install the transmission but I had the same problem of the input shaft getting hung up and not going into the pilot bearing.  My solution was to assemble the engine and transmission outside of the car and then install it all as one piece.  I'm hoping to not do that again this time.  Any tricks or tips on installing the engine into the car with the 4-Speed bolted in?  Thanks in advance

[aifilaw]

I've always found it much easier to install and engine, and then couple a transmission to it. If not you may need to assemble as one and put it in.
But like I said, its usually much easier to unbolt the tranny mounts, move it back a few inches, install the engine, and then using a dolley/jack with wheels mate the tranny to the engine

[deputycrawford]

     I think I have the answer. I had a friend of mine help me. He's been a mechanic for 40 years. He had me unbolt the headers, then the front engine mount brackets from the engine. We put the engine in at its proper height with the trans already installed and bolted the tranny up. They fell right into place. We then bolted the engine mount brackets back to the engine and they slid right into place. I even have solid mounts on both sides. It went so fast I thought I was missing something. I fought that thing for two installs. The third time he was there and it was a charm. Give it a shot.

[metallicareload99]

Thanks folks.  I know I'm not the first to have this problem, I figured there were some tricks out there.  Hopefully I'll get to try again later today.  DeputyCrawford, I thought about doing what you suggest but I ran out of time.  I really, really hope it goes well tonight.  I can't wait to drive this thing again.  Thanks again