How much is good for bringing my 55 back to life

[Mrbinks79]

Hey I've been working on my 55 for almost a year off and on trying to just get it going down the road on it's own power. I recently got the new motor put in and the wiring figured out. The motor cranks but I'm having serious problems with the transmission. I have it kinda in right now but it won't go in the last 3/8inch and I don't know why. The trans has been in and out 3times and this is the third time and it won't go back in. I don't have the time or the energy to do it myself right now.

I was wondering what I would look at paying to have someone pull the trans and get it back in correctly whatever I'm doing wrong isn't working. I'm tempted to have someone get the cruiser running while at the mechanic. I'd like to hear some price ideas before I go taking it to a mechanic and can't afford to get it back.

I also noticed while under the cruiser, I had a friend push in the clutch and turn the key. The stater engauged but would not turn the flywheel. Though I've never been so up close and personal when having the key cranked is this normal.

Anyhow what do you guys think I'd end up paying to get this sorted out. I really want to drive my pig.

Thanks guys

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! Can't help on gettin ya any HELP to put it back together, but it sounds like the pilot bearing/bushing that is in the center of the flywheel is buggered up so that the little tip on the transmission input shaft will not go in right. You may have to replace it. Pretty cheap. I usually grind a little extra on the tappered shoulder on the end of the input shaft so it will stab in easier. Good Luck. John

 

[PabloCruise]

There has gotta be some Cruiser help for you TX - are you in a club?

 

[D'Animal]

Walk away from it and come back to it next weekend.

It will slide right together.

 

[msapers]

Walk away from it and come back to it next weekend.

It will slide right together.

This works every freakin' time. Take a break.

 

[Pighead]

Walk away from it and come back to it next weekend.

It will slide right together.

Um, amazing how often this works....just saying,,,

 

[Mrbinks79]

I've tried the walk away and come back to it thing quite a few weekends. I need a better way to get it up and down it's so damn heavy with the transfer case pulling everything to the passenger side. I can't afford to just go out and buy another piece of garage equipment (Trans Jack) I have had the trans in and out a few times it's possible that I messed up the brand new pilot bearing that would be my luck. It's just such a PITA to get the trans in and out. We all know that.

 

[Mrbinks79]

Yeah I guess I'm gonna have to break down and rent or buy a trans jack but that sucks cause that will put off buying my welder that much longer. damn... Guess you have to weigh in on everything not running or fix the body work right. Such is life. Guess I'll go get a good old harbor freight trans jack. I do have this phone rebate money burning a hole in my pocket right.

 

[Mrbinks79]

Jack

Hey you guys think this one will make my life a lot easier?


[FONT=arial, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=arial, sans-serif]

• Raises to 24-1/2'', lowers to 8-1/2''
• Adjustable saddle plate: 55° forward, 8° back, 30° each side
• Heavy duty 1'' W x 2'' diameter swivel casters
• Thrust bearings on saddle bolt for smooth operation
• 30'' x 17'' base
• Includes 48'' L zinc plated safety chain with open hook
• Formed and welded steel plate construction

[/FONT]

 

[LRS30]

I have had this happen before on an ISUZU What I did was use a floor jack ratchet strap the trans to it and I was able to pop it on. Oh and after I depressed the cutch fork it went in with ease....did you use a clutch alignment tool when you put it together you have to make sure that all the grooves are in line or it will never go..

 

[Pighead]

Nope, just a length of 4x4 lumber, like you get if you steal a house for sale sign, laid from the dash to the tailgate...and half a dozen ratchetstraps. You have pulled the front seat & trany hump, right?

Yeah I guess I'm gonna have to break down and rent or buy a trans jack but that sucks cause that will put off buying my welder that much longer. damn... Guess you have to weigh in on everything not running or fix the body work right. Such is life. Guess I'll go get a good old harbor freight trans jack. I do have this phone rebate money burning a hole in my pocket right.

Hey you guys think this one will make my life a lot easier?


[FONT=arial, sans-serif][/FONT]
[FONT=arial, sans-serif]

• Raises to 24-1/2'', lowers to 8-1/2''
• Adjustable saddle plate: 55° forward, 8° back, 30° each side
• Heavy duty 1'' W x 2'' diameter swivel casters
• Thrust bearings on saddle bolt for smooth operation
• 30'' x 17'' base
• Includes 48'' L zinc plated safety chain with open hook
• Formed and welded steel plate construction

[/FONT]

 

[Mrbinks79]

I used a clutch alignment tool and it's past that point it's only got 3/8 inch to go makes me think it's past the pilot bearing but I don't know. I did try to push the clutch in but no pop... I guess I'll have to drop the trans one more time and spend the money on the jack to make sure the pilot bearing isn't messed up. That would cause bigger issues in a shot time.

LRS30 unfortunately the jack and cargo strap isn't so easy when your floor jack doesn't have a large foot print it just tips because of the transfer case pulling to the passenger side.

 

[Mrbinks79]

Hey pig head that's a good idea. Hadn't thought about that. Oooh that's my next plan. A piece of lumber is cheaper than a trans jack.

 

[Pighead]

Hey pig head that's a good idea. Hadn't thought about that. Oooh that's my next plan. A piece of lumber is cheaper than a trans jack.

Heheheh...ty, but not my idea. Sling the tranny with the straps and put the floorjack under the transfercase to provide the rotational assistance. You should have, like, superior adjustability by now. and will win.

 

[Mrbinks79]

I think I may use a come along to the trans over the 4x4 so I can pick it up off the ground but I think it will work. I was trying to figure out how to get a heavy strap through the fly windows but this will work alot better. Not your idea but you gave it to me so thanks.

 

[TLCHopII]

X2 on the 4x and straps. FYI: they do not have to be heavy straps. I've lifted/lowered 40' trans & xfer case assembled many times in a similar manner. Just co buy the $16.00 set of four ratcheting tie down straps Home Depot or your hardware store de'sure. The trick is to match the angle of engine and trans. Your floor jack will come in handy for this as you can use it for fine adjustments.

 

[Southeast Overland]

3/8 of an inch = tranny won't seat in pilot bearing.

I just replaced mine (after I assembled everything and had to disassemble) and it wasn't bad and I'm a one mechanic.

Pull your pilot bearing. Buy another and make sure it fits onto the tranny before you install it. Make sure your clutch alignment tool is FULLY seated.

 

[Mrbinks79]

Thanks guys now to get the time off to give it another go haven't had any time and probably won't for a few weeks. But that will give the Auto place time to get me another pilot bearing. Damn thing was brand new the first time I put the damn tranny in. Oh well.

 

[D'Animal]

Check with the auto place you get the pilot bearing from.

Around here they will rent a tranny jack for around $40 per day.