How to install the clutch fork when installing transmission?

[stevenlee]

What is the proper procedure for installing the clutch fork when installing the transmission?
*Does the fork get fully installed into the spring loaded retainer before sliding the transmission onto the long block?
*Or does the fork get snapped into the retainer after the transmission shaft is partially engaged into the clutch?
*At what point does the clutch fork get snapped into the retaining clip?

 

[drew]

process (at least for me)

1. fork in transmission, loose or on retainer.
2. slide trans onto clutch, until throw-out bearing lightly meets (or close enough) the fork
3. pull up fork, put tines into throw out bearing and latch onto retainer.
4. continue sliding in the trans. make sure fork is in retainer.

notes:
The transmission won't match up to the engine completely if the fork is between the bearing and the transmission. It MUST be on the bearing.

The fork cannot be removed from the trans if the input shaft is anywhere inside the bell housing. It cannot be inserted either: in other words you have to remove the transmission to get the fork IN or OUT of the transmission.

The fork can be put ON or OFF the retainer at anytime. I'm pretty sure it is idiot proof: if the fork is in the bell housing and the transmission is matched up to the engine....then you have it correct. (Presuming nothing bent, broken, clutch installed properly and you did not use a sledge hammer).

Drew

 

[stevenlee]

Drew....Thanks for the reply. I'll give it another try today. Yesterday I struggled trying to get the transmission engaged in the clutch and the fork kept falling off from all the wiggling of the transmission. I'm still struggling to get the transmission shaft to slide into the clutch on the car. I know that the clutch plate splines are well aligned because I used a spare transmission shaft instead of the plastic clutch alignment tool and the steel shaft goes in smoothly.

Are there any "tricks" for getting the transmission shaft to slide into the clutch?
I did not use the sledge hammer that your referred to because there isn't enough room to take a "full swing" at it.

 

[drew]

put the fork in the retainer while sliding on.

Hopefully you are using a transmission jack. I suspect the approach angle is too high or low as it is impossible to line it up perfectly.

I used a pry bar to "bump" the transmission up/down and forward. A block of wood against the trans and the pry bar between the wood and the jack....it just wiggled right in.

Drew

 

[stevenlee]

Drew... Thanks a million for your advice. The "Drew Procedure" worked like a charm. The transmission is in.
Using a 2x4 under the transmission allowed it to wiggle into place and your advice on installing the fork was a winner!

Thanks Again!