Redneck Truck

I'm having a lot of trouble getting my transmission installed. it slides on with only about a half inch gap all the way around, followed by a clunk. we've wiggled it all kinds of ways and it doesn't want to line up.

To be clear, the flywheel is the same size as stock, the pilot is pressed in flush with the gearbox side of the flywheel, the clutch disc is installed properly as far as I can tell. I hammered a 10mm deep socket (fits pilot) and a 15mm deep socket (almost fits clutch disc splines) together and they slid right in and even felt centered, so I don't think it's a clutch alignment issue.

I've been told not to use the mounting bolts to pull it onto the engine, so I'm at a loss for what to do. Has anybody run into this before, and what do you suggest?

Redneck Truck

Got it. Thanks anyway!