auot trans wont go on engine all the way

[Ihatethisdsm]

just pulled off the trans to make sure everthing was right with the flexplate and converter. and now the trans will not go back on the engine all the way have been trying for 3 hours to get the transmission on the engine. there is a 1/2" gap between the trans and engine.

ive tried rotating the engine to get different spline alignment but no matter what it will not drop on

I removed the dowel pins i thought they were holding the trans up and still same thing the trans will slid on then it drops down as if it were to lock into place but it still has that gap in between the engine and trans

any help on this? need better suggestions

 

[rlacasse1]

it sounds like your torque converter is not all the way in the transmission.

rotate it while pushing in to see if it will go in further.

 

[96eclipzGsT]

it sounds like your torque converter is not all the way in the transmission.

rotate it while pushing in to see if it will go in further.

++1.

 

[forcefed86]

+2 shoudl be 3 distinct steps pushing into the shaft

 

[johnmarines]

+3... I just went through the same problem with my 97gst... found out it was easier to push/rotate the converter untill it is all the way in the trans, then bolt up the flex plate.

 

[GDNF2ET]

The easiest way to do it is to lay the trans on the ground, torque converter side up, and put it on that way..That way it goes on evenly...
You still should be able to get it with the trans upright though..Take it off and put it on again..Spin it both ways, after a couple minutes of trying, take it off and try it again...Took me about 10-15 minutes last time, and I've done it 5 times in 6 months..
Here is a pic of what it should look like...
Put those dowels back in also....