R380 gearbox fitting

Evening chaps.

I just replaced my clutch with a Vaelo H/D unit,new rear oil seal & bronze bush.
I have the gearbox on the engine with 3 of the studs at the top on by a few threads,but can't get the bell housing to close up at the bottom enough to get the a nut on the studs.It seems as if the shaft isn't lining up with the hole in the crank.
Iv'e tried turning the crank with a spanner as i'm tightening the bolts,(I have used some longer ones at the bottom to try to pull the thing together)to get the splines to line up.But no joy.
Is there any tips you guys can offer to get it to go together.
Cheers
Marc

Use a jack under the gearbox to lift the back end up or under the front of the engine depending upon which one you removed. When you disconnect the engine and gearbox they both dip a bit, the engine at the front and the gearbox at the back because instead of being bolted together and resting on four mounts one or the other is now only on two mounts. Persevere and it'll come together eventually, I'll be doing the same tomorrow if that's of any consolation

Did you use a tool to align the new clutch with the spigot in the crank? If not you could have the input shaft hung up on it....

You can use a snugly fitting deep socket on an extension to do the alignment if you don't have either a) a proper alignment tool, or b) an old pinion from a gearbox (this is what I use).

dont try and pull it up with nuts the gap has to be exactly equal all the way round ,a bottle jack on the panhard rod pushing front edge of sump up helps have box in gear so you can turn it to align input shaft,once its aligned it will slide up to engine

Thanks for the replys guys
I've used a suitable sized piece of wood to align to clutch plate.
I've been turning the crank to try to align the splines,but with the gearbox in neutral?i'll try with it in gear tomorrow.
Marc

Did you check the clutch plate on the input shaft splines so you know it will fit?

Assuming it's all lined up I removed three studs and put threaded bar in their place.it just helps line em up when you're struggling to nip em together .but don't force it !! If all else fails go and make a cup of tea and try again.