Bell Housing Alignment tool

[737driver]

I decided to replace my BW ST-10 4 speed transmission recently after it started making some unhappy noises. I decided to go with a TKX 5 speed from American Powertrain.
When installing the TKX one important step is to make sure the bell housing is aligned within tolerances (.005” ). If the bell housing is not aligned properly then a set of offset dowel pins will be need. I used a set of .007 offset dowel pins from RobbMc.
This is typically done with a dial indicator and can be job that requires and bit of trial and error. Using this alignment tool from Browell makes the job very easy and is very accurate All in all, the whole job took less than 25 minutes or so.

Here are some basic pics,
Jim

[Wallington]

Neat tool. The dowel flats can be turned until the offset matches the tool correctly.

[FormTA]

Interesting. I would think sweeping the hole in the bell housing would be more accurate but I guess most folks probably don't have good indicators at home. This is probably an good solution to get them close enough. Thanks for posting. Interesting solution to help limit transmission wear.

[737driver]

Afterwards I did use a dial indicator to make a few measurements. Basically I wanted to see what it would read. At all four points (12,3,6,9 clock positions) the readings were less than .002 all the way around. The tool really works pretty good and really simplifies the job.
Jim

[b_hill_86]

Good to know. Also jealous. I’d love to go 5 speed someday. Probably won’t but you never know.

[silver78]

neat tool, I made one from old auto flex plate and dial indicator. Also did the TKX 5 speed swap over the summer. 308 rear gear in 5th gear is hauln' the mail!

[b_hill_86]

5 speed with 3.08 you say? Did you order custom ratios to accommodate the 3.08 better? I’d always been under the impression a 3.08 was too tall for OD

[silver78]

I bought trans part # TCET 18083 that uses the lower 3.27 first gear ratio. I shift into 5th at 60 mph. Also, instead of a custom drive shaft I used the Ford racing aluminum drive shaft summit part# SUM-790303 and rear u joint spicer 5-793X to mate the ford drive shaft to my stock GM rear. That was a perfect length and fit. I did alot of research before buying anything...swap is not low budget by any means. If I  can get a minute I'll post a new thread of my entire swap. I  took alot of pics too.