Tick Performance - T-56 Index Plate

Ensure precise alignment of your bellhousing with the Tick Performance Index Plate. Crafted from robust 1/4-inch American steel, this plate features pre-installed alignment dowels for straightforward installation.

It guarantees accurate centering to optimize transmission performance, reducing wear on components like the pilot bearing and enhancing shift quality. Ideal for enthusiasts seeking reliable, long-lasting transmission solutions.

Key Features:

• Made from durable 1/4-inch American steel

• Precision machined for exacting fitment

• Includes pre-installed dowel pins for easy mounting

• Prevents premature pilot bearing or transmission internals failure

• Improves transmission shifting smoothness

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Bellhousing Alignment Procedure  

Due to manufacturers’ machining tolerances of engine blocks in relationship to dowel pin location, machine shop line honing, warpage of the block due to heat cycles over time, dirt, debris, chips on mating surfaces, interference with block protrusions, it is quite possible for the crankshaft centerline and bellhousing bore to be misaligned. With the transmission installed in a misaligned condition, several problems can occur, such as pilot bearing and main shaft bearing wear, difficulty in shifting, and in extreme cases, breakage of transmission gears and case. While most bellhousings will fall within the allowable limits, it is good practice to check for register bore run out whenever any bellhousing or engine block is installed. Most factory service manuals will outline the checking procedure, but will not give correctional measures necessary to ensure trouble-free standard transmission operation. Offset dowel pins are available from Lakewood Industries to ensure correct bellhousing installation. For checking, you will need a dial indicator (preferably with a magnetic base), a few simple tools and close attention to detail to give you accurate installation results. 

1. Remove clutch assembly from the flywheel and install bellhousing on the engine block. (It is easier when you leave the clutch assembly off the flywheel.)
• Torque bellhousing bolts to 35-45 ft./lbs.
2. Because of the bellhousing configuration of the T56 bellhousing whether aftermarket  or OEM, the bellhousing is a little more difficult to index. One option is to use our index plate and install it on the back side of the bellhousing using 4 of your transmission mounting bolts.
• Torque these equally to 35-45 ft./lbs. Our index plate has a precision hole in the center. This allows you to dial the T56 bellhousing in. 
3. Install dial indicator base on the flywheel and adjust plunger to contact the register bore of the housing. 
4. Rotate the flywheel and note indicator reading. Misalignment is one-half of the indicator reading (maximum allowable for most transmissions is .005”). 
5. To correct off-center condition, select the offset dowel pin pair that is closest to one-half of the indicator reading.
• (i.e., if reading is .016”, 1/2R=.008” use .007” dowels. If reading is .024”, 1/2R=.012” use .014” dowels).
6. Remove stock dowel pins by driving out from the back side or pulling out with gripper pliers. 
7. Clean engine block dowel holes and coat lightly with lubricant. 
8. Lubricate dowel pins and install in the block. Note the position of the offset and mark the dowel for reference. They should be installed parallel to one another and in pairs
• (both .007”, .014” and .021”).
9. Install and tighten bellhousing securely. Remount the dial indicator and recheck the register bore run-out (Repeat step 3).
10. To make small corrections or adjustments to the alignment, you will need to remove the bellhousing and drive the offset dowels out of the block. Reposition the dowels and re-check register bore run-out. Repeat this procedure until the register bore is within limits. 

NOTE: Always be careful when removing bellhousing from the engine block so that offset dowel pins do not move or change position.