KA24DE sitting too far back - Need Help

[the_garynator]

So I pulled a KA24DE out of an automatic coupe (1993) and swapped it into a 91 hicas Fastback. I used a 5 speed trans of unknown origin (not sure if it is an S13 or S14 trans).

Either way, after mounting the engine, I noticed the the transmission crossmember was sitting about 1/4-1/2 inch back from the mounting holes. I also tried to mount the driveshaft (S13) and it was also about 1/4-1/2 inch too long.

I used a stock S14 transmission dust cover/spacer between the trans and the engine. Other than that everything else is installed correctly.

Anyone have any ideas what the issue could be?

thanks,
Gary

[the_garynator]

Looks like mine is an S14 Transmission if that matters.

Edit: Also, I think my car had abs at one point, but I don't think that that would have any bearing on why the transmission crossmember does not bolt up.

[compactfean]

There are no differences in the tranis. Something isn't mounted right. As for the ABS it does make a difference in drive shaft length.

[the_garynator]

any idea what could be mounted incorrectly that could cause that big of a difference? From what I can tell, the transmission is mounted to the engine correctly, and the engine is mounted to the subframe (both motor mounts are at the lowest point in the subframe mounting points). I just can't think of anything other than possibly the subframe is incorrect or something which doesn't make sense because I pulled an RB26 out of this hatch back that was using mckinney mounts.

[the_garynator]

from what it sounds like, I may have a large coincidence on my hands...the crossmember i'm using came with the transmission, but I'm thinking it may be possible that it is the wrong one (i'll check it against the crossmember I have on the auto trans to see if they are the same.
It seems that the driveshaft not fitting is most likely due to me having a hicas rear end and a non-hicas driveshaft
I'll look more into it tomorrow night.

[compactfean]

Maybe a ka24de truck trans? Something definitely weird is going on there.

[compactfean]

Or s14 trans brace?

[the_garynator]

Or s14 trans brace?

Ah! That would make sense since the one I'm using came with the trans. I'm assuming they are different?

[compactfean]

I think they are different because the s14 body is longer.that would solve one issue. Now for the drive line you have the Hicas issue nailed.

[the_garynator]

Just an update:
I got the driveshaft to work. I took off the dust boot that was connected to the end of the transmission (used a screw driver and hammer and it popped off). The carrier bearing had enough play in it to work as well. I'll probably end up tracking down an ABS driveshaft just to be on the safe side, but this should work temporarily.

I'm still waiting on a transmission crossmember.

[Kon036]

Make sure you don't torque down the engine mounts yet when you try to bolt the trans up. I had this same problem and I loosened up the engine mounts and was able to get the trans cross-member bolted up.

[the_garynator]

Make sure you don't torque down the engine mounts yet when you try to bolt the trans up. I had this same problem and I loosened up the engine mounts and was able to get the trans cross-member bolted up.

Good call, ill give that a try