Help - going on my 3rd Flywheel :(

[DonC]

FWIW when you reinstall the transmission. Get a couple of long bolts the same size as the mounting bolts that hold the transmission to the block. Hand thread them into the upper two mounting holes in the back of the block, figure out how much depth you'll need with the transmission attached to allow them to stick out about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch and cut them off at that length. Slot the cut off end with a Dremel tool or a grinder with a cut off wheel. Make the cuts wide enough so you can get a large screw driver into them.
When the transmission is ready to go back in hand thread the cut off bolts into the back of the block and use the cut off bolts as pilots for when you slide the transmission back onto the engine. They will help getting everything aligned and support the weight of the transmission until you get the lower bolts in and snugged up. Use a large screw driver to remove the "pilot" bolts one at a time and replace them with the regular transmission bolts.
Saw them using this method at ERA when they put my transmission in and it has worked for me when I had my transmission out.
It won't be easy to get it in but it can be done. Helps to have an extra set of hands for about 15 minutes to get the transmission lifted into place. Once in the rest is just a matter of getting everything tightened down.
DonC