I have spent around 2 hours now trying to fit on my bellhousing to the transmission. Is there any pointers you guys could offer me to get that stupid 72mm Thrust Shim (aka snap ring) back on?!? I have the helms, which is hardly helpful. ive got about a 2mm gap b/t the tranny and bellhousing and i know for a fact this is the only thing keeping that gap there.

I am stuck and have NO IDEA what to do! Please help me out you guys because im anxious to get my engine back in and running

 

one , i'm not sure if you know, but the washer on the mainshaft, has a notch in it, make sure it lines up with the case

second, you will have to have someone spread the snap ring, while you close the case

I like to put 1 bolt in the four corners of the case, and tighten them down evenly
a rubber mallet can also help get the case sealed

it is impossible to try to close the two halves, and then open the snap ring
someone will have to either open the snap ring, or have someone else, close the case, while you hold the ring open

 

also, once the case looks sealed
turn it upside down, and gently drop it on a block of wood
you will hear the snap ring.... *SNAP*....into place

 

cool-thanks for the prompt reply.

yeah i noticed that thing sticking out and finally got that lined up okay, and i even did try opening the ring up and standing on it, but didnt budge. i tried it a few times. how much force did you have to put on it to make it clamp together? perhaps the largest problem i am having is keeping the ring OPEN while sliding it down... i got that reverse opener things and it just slips all over the place.

im starting to wonder what the purpose of that stupid thing is in the first place...

 

have another pair of hands to help you
even i'm not doing this on my own