this is my first ford and i'm at a standstill. previous chevy owner, have swapped engines out many times. trying to swap out 360 for 390 crate engine. 4 studs in torque converter, 2 dowels in block, can not get them lined up. plate between engine and transmission that i dont recognize and it keeps falling off.
i must be missing something really simple, can't be these many ford fans if it's this difficult. i've worked 20 hours so far on something that i think should have taken maybe a full day.
ANY reasonable advice or input appreciated.

 

I take a chisel and stake the separator plate to the dowels so it doesn't fall off. You can loosen the trans mount and slide the trans back to make it easier to line things up. Make sure the torque converter is fully seated in the trans. If all else fails, take the trans out, it's just a few more bolts.

 

If you can do it F100longbead is right, pull the trani mate them out of the truck and put them both in as a whole unit.

 

Hey just a shot in the dark you said crate motor did you make sure that there was not a pilot bearing in the crank that would for sure keep it from lining up

 

thanks for the advice. it's in and running like a top!