Ok now, I just replaced my clutch/flywheel, used the alignment tool, and I'm putting the trans back on. Of course it's a PITA to get on, but we finally got the splines to line up. We got it to about 3/8" of being totally on, and it stopped going. So after wrestling with it for an hour, we took a block of wood, and gave a few medium swings with a mallet on the far side of the transmission - the transmission is now mated.

My question is: could I have knocked that bearing out while pounding the transmission on? And if I did, will I know it when I start up the car? How much damage can it do?

TIA

 

The chances are that it is fine. If it was already lined up and in, you just forced it in more. I had the same trouble with mine, but it was more due to the space I had available around me. Instead of banging on mine, I just put all my bolts in and changed between all of them torquing each down to prevent stripping one out. So I basically did the same as you, except I just used the bolts like a fool.

I'm sure if something is wrong you will know it.

 

thanks for the advice inval I went with your advice, and my car is running great Now for the 750 mile break in period :/ UGH