Just won't go in

[EABYRD1977]

I just put a new rear main seal, new flywheel, pilot bearing, friction disk, pressure plate, throw out bearing , In my 85 Ford Ranger 2.8 V6 and can't get the shaft to line up to get the transmission back in. Does anyone have a suggestion. The clutch is a stage III, I bought off eBay. The pressure plate has made in Korea stamped on it, is this my problem?I did notice that the throwout bearing that came with the clutch kit is longer than the one that came out originally.

 

[RonD]

Could be wrong stuff, but shaft should line up.

Did you use the plastic tool to hold new disc in place while you tighten down the pressure plate, that lines up the disc and pilot bearing hole, so shaft can slide in and hit the pilot bearing hole.
Looks like this: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_clutch_replace/pic9.JPG

You often have to open the bleeder on slave to push trans all the way on to the dowels

 

[EABYRD1977]

Yes sir I sure did use the alignment tool. I did not try to open the bleeder though. I had to take loose the hydraulic line from the clutch master cylinder at the pedal. But I will try to open the bleeder. Thanks man you're a life saver

 

[EABYRD1977]

Hey RonD,would I still need to crack the bleeder if the line is loose from the clutch master cylinder?

 

[next657]

I'm new and I'm interested in this topic. Thank you!

 

[Rustbucket350]

You could try removing the driveshaft, putting it in neutral, and spinning the tailshaft slowly while you push it in. They can be difficult, but once the tailshaft won't spin the teeth are engaged. From there you can carefully draw it in evenly with the bellhousing bolts. Don't force it with the bolts though. You did install the input shaft bearing in the flywheel and grease the splines right?

 

[enginepaul]

A little late, but the clutch should easily slide onto the transmission input shaft. Other possibility is the wrong pilot bearing or other wrong part as said before.
As for foreign made parts, that's about all you can get these days in aftermarket parts.