Complete T5 Driveline - Installation from Engine to Rear Axle
This page shows the steps I used to install a V8 Camaro T5 transmission in my 1965 Chevy C10 short bed truck.
Parts List
(All items are new or rebuilt). - Pilot bushing
- Flywheel (professionally resurfaced by a machine shop) - Clutch disc 11" - Pressure plate (rebuilt 11") - Clutch Alignment Tool - 1965 Cast Iron Bell Housing - Clutch Fork Pivot Ball and Clip - Clutch Fork and Rubber Boot - T5 transmission (rebuilt hybrid V8 Camaro NWC T5) - Bolts to Mount T5 to Bell Housing - Drive Shaft |
Tools & Supplies
- Socket Wrench - 3/8" drive
- Hex Wrench 3/8" - Sockets - 3/4", 9/16", - Box Wrench 3/4" - Torque Wrench - Medium Strength Thread Lock - Bearing Grease - Ball Peen Hammer - Dial Indicator - Brake cleaner - Clean shop rags - Nitrile gloves |
Clutch Kit and Bell housing Installation
Your flywheel and clutch package might be different, but the components will be very similar. I used a 168 tooth Camaro flywheel and 26 spline 11" clutch disc and pressure plate package.
Check for Pilot Binding and Clutch Disc Release
STOP! You can skip this step if you want, but now is the perfect time to check 2 very important things.
1. You want to make sure the T5 pilot tip doesn't bind inside the pilot bushing.
2. You want to make sure the clutch disc can slide along the input shaft splines and move back off the flywheel. This is especially true if you are installing an S10 T5 that was modified.
- Apply a thin layer of bearing grease inside the pilot bushing.
- Put the clutch disc inside the bell and carefully slide it onto the input shaft as you bolt the T5 to the bell.
- Put the T5 into 1st gear.
- Turn the T5 output shaft by hand.
- If the pilot tip is binding, then it will be extremely difficult if not impossible to hand turn the T5 output shaft. If binding occurs, then use medium grit sandpaper to enlarge the inner diameter of the pilot bushing and try again until you can turn it by hand.
- Next, see if you can slide the clutch disc away from the flywheel enough that you can see light pass between the flywheel and the disc. If the disc cannot back off the flywheel ay least a few millimeters then you need to solve this problem before installing the pressure plate or you will find that the clutch will not disengage.
1. You want to make sure the T5 pilot tip doesn't bind inside the pilot bushing.
2. You want to make sure the clutch disc can slide along the input shaft splines and move back off the flywheel. This is especially true if you are installing an S10 T5 that was modified.
- Apply a thin layer of bearing grease inside the pilot bushing.
- Put the clutch disc inside the bell and carefully slide it onto the input shaft as you bolt the T5 to the bell.
- Put the T5 into 1st gear.
- Turn the T5 output shaft by hand.
- If the pilot tip is binding, then it will be extremely difficult if not impossible to hand turn the T5 output shaft. If binding occurs, then use medium grit sandpaper to enlarge the inner diameter of the pilot bushing and try again until you can turn it by hand.
- Next, see if you can slide the clutch disc away from the flywheel enough that you can see light pass between the flywheel and the disc. If the disc cannot back off the flywheel ay least a few millimeters then you need to solve this problem before installing the pressure plate or you will find that the clutch will not disengage.
Install the Clutch and Pressure Plate
Clutch Fork and Release Bearing Installation
Preparing the T5 Transmission
Bolting the T5 to the Bell Housing
With the T5 in NEUTRAL, carefully guide the input shaft through the release bearing until the pilot tip enters the pilot bushing. You may need to twist the input shaft a little so that it lines up with the clutch splines. Guide the front bearing retainer into the center bore of the bell until the transmission is flush. I have found it necessary to partially install the top right bolt just BEFORE pushing the transmission completely flush with the bell. Thread it by hand as far as possible and then use a socket. Study the next 2 photos for an explanation.
Adjust the linkage to allow proper release bearing movement.
Inspect the release bearing for proper clearance and then test the movement when the clutch pedal is depressed.
I used a spare yoke to turn the tail shaft with the T5 in gear and the clutch pedal depressed. This test allows you to confirm that the clutch releases the transmission when the pedal is depressed and that the pilot tip does not bind inside the pilot bushing.
I used directions from DennysDrivshaft.com (Diagram B) to determine what size the new driveshaft should be.
The drive shaft shop shortened my original shaft, installed new Spicer universal joints and installed my T5 yoke. I put a little grease both inside and outside the yoke and bolted the drive shaft into place. Tighten the U bolt nuts to factory specification.
Make sure you fill the T5 case with the proper amount of fluid. You can add the fluid through the shifter box.