Hey, I'm dropping the FT4WD trans out of my RX and putting in a pushbutton 4WD out of a Loyale (long story- in short, 1 good engine, 1 good trans, so making a project and an econobox out of the 2 RX's).

 

Got the tranny out, made the changes I needed to make on the Loyale one, and hoisted it up in. Got the bottom studs lined up, and started to bring the engine and trans together, and now it's binding. It has a decent gap between the top of the bellhousings, and no matter what we do, the engine and trans move together as a unit and will not come any closer.

 

The clutch was properly lined up, and when I turn the engine, the axles turn- which leads me to believe the input shaft is splined into the clutch.

...or is it? Were there two different spline counts for the EA82 clutches, and it's just turning because of tension?

 

 

 

Any tips? I'd really like to get this thing running tomorrow! Need to know about those clutch splines, and also, any general tips on mating engines and trannys.

 

I've done this about 5 times before, and this is the first time I've had any trouble.

best thing to do is , take the clutch off..its easy at this stage..and see if it fits the spline on the gearbox...that will answer that question..then check the bearing in the flywheel for any damage..makes sure its looks ok..good luck..cheers

Loosen all the pressure plate bolts, and it will slide right on. Tighten them through the starter hole after you have the engine and tranny bolted together. The input shaft isn't lining up with the throwout bearing.

 

Incidentally, I always do mine this way because I've had the same problem, and plus it's easier and no need to find or keep around an alignment tool.

 

GD

Thanks for the tips. Anyone know if ALL EA82's had the same clutch spline count?

 

Feels kinda funny asking such a novice question after I've got 5 engine or trans swaps under my belt... already have gone auto to dual range, turbo to MPFI, for example... some non-standard swaps, but I'm kind of a learn-as-you-go kind of mechanic, and have to seriously think about it when encountered with a new problem.

All the same, yep.

 

GD