So Im on vacation this week and my only goal is to get car started. I mated the new tranny to the block outside of the car and dropped the whole thing into the car and bolted up all the engine mounts.

The next step to install the starter, but for some damn reason the longer, lower starter bolt just doesn't want thread into the hole. Ive tried loosening the tranny and moving it around and it just doesnt go in. I really don't want to take the tranny apart again.

Trying to solve this problem in 105 degree Palmdale heat has me mad & tired.