Repair the threads with a Heli-Coil thread repair kit. They are available at some auto parts stores and on the Internet.

 

There is something not lining up correctly or something is getting pinched. You should never have to tighten the bolts to pull the engine and trans together. The engine and trans should meet up flush. If you are stripping threads and breaking threaded rod then it's not ligned up right.

 

Are the helio coils strong enough for this application. I was thinking about them, but i thought they might not work for this.

 

Are the heli coils strong enough for this application...

Like the other guy said, your trans should slide right into place. Make sure the Torque Converter is properly seated.

Yes, Heli-Coils make stronger then stock threads.

 

Something must be stopping the two from coming together cleanly. What tranny have you got, auto or manual? When I had my auto tranny out it pretty much pushed home by hand, if you are having to use bolts to force it together there is definitely something wrong so stop that before something breaks.

Have you checked that there is nothing hanging from above that has got wedged between the bellhousing and the engine? Also i don't know if this is possible but if the torque converter isn't fully engaged onto the gearbox then maybe that is preventing the gap from closing.

I guess it might come to having to pull the box out again

 

Ok well i guess i will have to pull motor and tranny this time. I have an aw4, and its not sitting flush right now. Ive been just pulling motor before, but i guess ill just pull motor and tranny together this time and try to get it to sit flush outside the jeep. Is there a certain way to put the torque converter on? So far we have just been sliding it on and then lowering motor and bolting up motor and torque converter.

 

You shouldn't have to pull the whole thing, and in fact, it probably won't help you. Like the other posters said, something's not lining up right. Get everything lined up, and it will slide together by hand.

Luckily, the threads on your bellhousing stripped. It easily could have cracked the bellhousing instead.

Jim

 

Ok so now ive searched for hei-coils and none of the stores around me carry them. Where do guys usually purchase yours?

 

Napa should have them or they can order them for you.

 

also were the flywheels any different between 97-98 at all?