transmission reinstallation issues

[squishy321]

I'm in the process of replacing the clutch on my 97 1.6l corolla and now that im ready to put the tranny back on it doesnt want to co operate. Anyone whos ever done this knows the tranny is a weird shape so im lifting from above with a chain which keeps it turned so the bolt holes are lined up and im also lifting it up from the bottom with a car jack but it doesnt really want to come up straight. The clutch disc is centered but it seems the input shaft does not want to go in. Anyone have any tricks or is the only trick to jam a few more guys under the car and try to muscle it in.

[Flashmn]

it doesnt go in because of the splines, you need to sort of wiggle it so that it will go on the splines.

[94_Rolla_Guy]

sometimes turning the engine with wrench helps the input shaft slide in.

also it has to go on straight or you can forget it! look at the gap at the top at the bottom, front and back ...

[squishy321]

dont worry ive wiggled it but i dont want to damage the fingers on the pressure plate, i never though about turning the engine so ill try that. I'm also going to try a case of beer and see if that attracts any help. If anyone else got any tips plz help. As a side note i read hear in a few places that its a 4hr job to replace the clutch, ive dont one before in another vehicle so im not a noobie but ive been at it 2 solid days now

[Flashmn]

but i dont want to damage the fingers on the pressure plate

And how do you think you'll accomplish that?

[squishy321]

i dont know if i will or not but it seems to me that at times the input shaft is bringing up/resting on the fingers when im moving it around. The Haynes manual says to carefully slide it in but thats just not going to happen

[Flashmn]

the input shaft really wont hang onto the fingers, the hole in the middle is quite big. Just wiggle it abit and then see if it goes in. Toyota transmission isnt even heavy compared to a RS2000 Escort transmission which is a huge chunk of malm. you should be able to get it on lifting it with a jack.

[toyomoho]

Is the clutch plate hole centered with the pilot bushing (or hole) are the clutch plate splines oriented with the input shaft of the trans?

Auto stores sell a low cost plastic pilot that can be used to center the clutch, once centered the pressure plate is torque down. If the trans still hangs up, try rotating the input shaft to align the splines.

[squishy321]

update, once i got a few more guys we let the jack down and just manhandled it into place and i got it the rest of the way by putting the bolts in, thanks for all your help guys.