Tail shaft won't go in gearbox

[Stewart A.]

I have just finished putting my motor and gear box back in car after a full rebiuld. Now the tail shaft yolk wont go back of the transmission. It slides in about an inch then hits something. I think its the rear bearing it's hitting. There is not alot of room to see. Can someone tell me is it possible to remove the tailhouse extension on the rear of the transmission without taking the whole transmission out. It's a 4 speed transmission in a 1960 C1 Help !!!

[William C.]

Re: Tail shaft won't go in gearbox

Pull the trans, if the trans is not original to the car, remove the tailhousing and try to slide the yoke on the splined shaft directly. If it goes on all the way, the problem is with the tailshaft (not likely, but possible) if not (more likely) the problem is bent splines on the mainshaft. The passenger car yoke is shorter than the corvette version, and when a T-10 is abused in a passenger car the splines can twist some in front of the yoke. The corvette yoke (longer) will then stop at the twist. For non competition use, the splines can be adjusted with an air grinder to allow the Corvette style yoke to fully install, or the mainshaft can be replaced if a suitable replacement can be found. Not an uncommon problem, but no simple way I know of to fix in the car.

[Stewart A.]

Re: Tail shaft won't go in gearbox

Thanks William. Now that I'm well rested and finished spitting chips I'm ready to yank it back out. I was so tired, I've been working on it straght for 3 months now and it's fought me all the way. It was the last thing I had to do before I finally drive the car from a fresh engine rebuild. I guess I was just looking for a quick way out. I bought the car 6 months ago from Pro Team they said it was a good driver but when it arrived they must of sent the wrong car. So I still haven't driven it yet, I am just wanting to drive it. It took 3 months to get it here and 3 months working on it to make it drive. (Australia) Stewy

[William C.]

Re: Tail shaft won't go in gearbox

If the driveshaft went all the way into the trans when you got the car, the issue is likely a problem with the rear bushing installation. My advice to anyone buying a car in the US is to try to find someone local to check it out, can save a lot of agony!