As a little bit of back story, we have been working on the dreaded cam phaser issues on my 2006 5.4. It's got ~175,000mi on the clock.

We replaced all the timing goodies and oil pump. We also discovered that the rear thrust washers were trashed, likely causing the top end of the motor to lose oil pressure when the crank walked forward, revealing the cam phaser rattle.

Here's where we're at now. I got a main bearing set with new thrust washers. We cannot get the rear washers back in. Something is preventing us from sliding the crank back far enough to get it in there. The bearing mating surfaces are smooth, crank is good.

What could be preventing the crank from sliding to the rear at this point? Transmission is coming out next to take a look, but I'd like to hear any insight/ideas of stuff to look for.

 

Well, nothing I guess....

Anyone know if I need any specialty tools to get the transmission out?

 

If the transmission is still hooked up to the flexplate, then the crankshaft isn't going to move (much).

 

I dont need it to move much. Maybe 1/8 inch. I just dont want to force the bearing in there or I'll end up right back where I am.

 

Well, the torque converter is unbolted and moved back 1/4 inch or so. Crank still wont....

 

So, here's where I'm at. Transmission is on the ground. only have 2 main caps keeping the crank from falling. Half of the rods are disconnected from the crank.

Still wont move enough to put the damn thrust washers in. I don't have the slightest clue what is keeping the crank from simply sliding to the rear. I cannot see any contact from the counterweights to the block.