Good morning. I started of this project with two helpers and an advisor. For now it's just me. I want to mate up my AOD trans and 302 without the torque converter just for the placement and to mock up the mounts. Do I need to worry about the splines on the motor engaging or contacting the trans if I bolt everything up WITHOUT the torque converter? Should I take steps to protect the splines? I'm guessing this combo will be in and out several times before it becomes permanent. Any tips on way to keep both pieces connected and on the ground while I work things out? Many are comfortable resting the motor and trans on their pans on wood blocks. Is this acceptable? Are there better ways? P.S. when I say it's just me I really mean me and my wife. Thanks

 

Put an old sock over the input shaft and wrap it with tape to keep it tight. The input shaft will not come close to the engine while the trans is bolted up so no worries about it hitting anything.
I use wood blocks and shims to set up and get the engine where I want it side to side and height, then use a floor jack under the trans to adjust the engine and trans to the correct angle. With a carbed engine you want the carb pad level with the chassis level side to side and set at your desired rake or level front to back if that is what you want.
Plenty of pics in my build threads, procedure is the same for any setup, but while doing this you have to keep in mind firewall clearance, exhaust routing and clearance, steering routing, etc..
I have engines and transmissions all over my shop sitting on their pans with no issue, but I do set them on car skates or home made moving dollies so they are easy to move around.