Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Help needed with clutch install issue!

[JoeyJ]

I'm at the tail end of installing my new SBC clutch and ran into an issue. In order to align the input shaft I put the transmission into 5th gear so I could rotate the output shaft till it lined up. Now that the bell housing is all cinched up, I can't get the truck out of gear. It feels like it's in neutral at the shifter but is still in gear. I just inserted the shifter in order to put it in gear, I didn't lock the spring loaded cap to the shift tower and then just removed it once it was in gear. Have I some how not assembled the shifter back into the 5th gear position so that it's now giving me the false neutral?

Thanks!

 

[budnate]

push the clutch in and bump the starter, the input is probably slightly bound with the disc and pressure plate.

 

[JoeyJ]

push the clutch in and bump the starter, the input is probably slightly bound with the disc and pressure plate.

Thanks for the reply... I tried that right away, clutch is functioning properly. I haven't installed the driveshaft yet so I can check the operation while the front of the truck is still on jackstands. I'm kinda thinking I should install the shifter as if it is in 5th... . duh, lol as it IS in 5th gear. I'm heading back out to try that.

Thanks again for your reply!

 

[JoeyJ]

Problem solved. . I just needed to use a screwdriver (I used a phillips, less likely to chip the tip into the transmission) and gently moved the shift fork back into neutral. Life is good!

 

[budnate]

lifes good again