96 F150 5.0L motor to trans. mounting trouble

[usar89b]

I got my motor from Jasper last friday, and got everything ready to go and by Sunday afternoon was ready to install the new motor. I've since spent the better part of 3 evenings trying to get the motor mounted to the tranny.

I installed a new pilot bearing, used the clutch alignment tool, and went to work with the install.

I'm having trouble getting the transmission shaft to go into the clutch and pilot bearing. everything lines up perfect and I get to about 1/2 inch away from the two mating and it won't go any further.

Should I take the tranny out and put the two in at once, or just keep working at it.
Everyone I talk to and every book I've read says not to remove the tranny and put them in together.

Would a little grease on the tranny shaft hurt? It is a 5 speed.

[usar89b]

Wow, so many responses! How will I have time to read them all?

Anyway, not that anybody cares, I've removed the transmission and found the problem.