Well, it's back together. What a mess! I never want to do that again, but it sure was better than paying what the mechanic would have charged! Here is my new clutch assembly. I sourced it locally for what it would have cost to buy online and ship.
I learned that it's mandatory, at least for me, to pull the steering box in order to align the components. There was no way I could do it through the sight port on the transmission case. I would have saved myself 30 minutes of struggling uselessly had I just done that to begin with. It's entirely possible that with more help, or skill, it wouldn't be necessary.
I decided it's not fair to count the time going to get these parts against the clock. I'm in almost exactly 6 hours so far. Still to be done is to replace a couple rusty and slightly bent loader mounting bolts, install the front driveshaft, and fill it up with hydraulic fluid. Hopefully by then my starter will have arrived.
To install the driveshaft, I expect to have to pull the axle assembly, unless there is a shortcut I can't figure out. Does anyone have any tips?
Also, is there a torque specification for the bolts connecting the engine bellhousing to the transmission side? I don't want them to overtighten and break anything, but don't want them too loose, either.
