there is about a 3/4" gap between the bellhousing an the tranny any ideas. pulled it many times to check if anything was blocking the input shaft but it looks fine. I will push it in and it will stop and sounds like it is hitting the crank. I dont think it is lined up with the pilot bushing but i have jiggled the crap out of it nd nothing!!!

I know this sounds too simple, but lets get all the easy stuff out of the way. You did use a alignment shaft to line up the clutch disc and pilot shaft bearing before you tighened up the clutch ---- yes?

yes anybody would not be that dumb. this is not a clutch job. my buddy replaced his clutch a few months ago am i am putting this tranny in for him.

first people can be that dumb..
right pilot bushing?
when i put a tranny in.. i usually attach the bellhousing to the tranny.. so i can line it up with the engine better.. right angle.. so its all in line.. find it to be a smoother operation this way.. but i bet its just not seating in the pilot bushing.. if its new.. then it will be really tight..
i also found the best trick is.. to try putting it in.. and after several hours.. of no success.. i get a friend to come over and give it a shot.. he (for some unknown reason, no matter who it is) can always put it in under 5 minutes.. the wierdest thing..

i know i hate it when that happens!
it makes you fell all wierd or whatever.

I actuallt thought about pulling the bellhousing. it does seem as though it would be easier.
thanks

Do the spline engage then it stops? Try getting the splines engaged then disengage the clutch while trying the put it in the rest of the way.