I'm fixing a transmission leak with the transmission still in the car. I took the tail cone off and can't get it back. It doesn't seem to line up right. The studs are skewing the alignment so I can't get it to seat.

Any tips?

is the cut washer lined up correctly?

Yes, but it's not even getting that far. The threads of the studs are grinding against the holes in the cone. Does it matter where the transmission is supported?

Pics?

As said, pictures would be good. Did you bend a case stud while the tail cone was off?

You can also temporarily remove the reverse idler stuff to make sure it mates up properly. Then once that is worked out, you can put it all back and do it for real.

Richard

I started working on this again today. I can get the cover on with the reverse idler removed, just can't get it on with it installed. I tried sticking my finger in to move it around till the teeth mesh with no luck. Any tips for this?

Your doing it wrong

Are you SURE that you have all the bits in the correct order?

Again...pic?

You have to slide the idler assembly outward on its shaft to get it located properly. It actually seats before the nose cover does. The thick washer and the flat needle bearing go on the intermediate plate first. I use a little heavy grease to hold them in place while I slide on the remaining pieces.

The Cap'n

What John said.

? is your speedo drive still in the cone? This can stick up assembly. Remove it if it is still in and then try to put the cone on.

That did the trick, thanks Captain and all.