Complete T5 swap thread - one way to skin the cat

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by jocko

Assume you're referring to shortening the trans input shaft. I looked at that, but what you will see is that the tip if the input shaft is turned down section that inserts into the pilot bushing. If you simply chop 1/2" off the end, you are not really left with sufficient engagement into the pilot bushing. Some folks HAVE done this, but I would not. You also have to consider the engagement of the i/p shaft splines with the clutch. I built a cardboard mock-up in 2D to examine all the clearances and what was gonna hit what and when - main reason to do this is that the Astro Van 11" clutch and pressure plate have a slightly different stacking height than the stock 3-speed, so I was concerned about proper amount to cut off the release bearing collar, clearance between the fat stack of new clutch/pressure plate and the thickness of the release bearing (which, if purchased in the Astro Van clutch kit, all works out because it is thinner than the stock 3-speed's release bearing, this is why it all works out).

Thanks Jocko, when I get working on this in the fall/winter I think I will order the spacer from hamilton (seems a $110 well spent), outside of that I will be doing this conversion your way.