Hello, I have a 1989 745T which has a factory M46 P-type. The car has 320,xxx miles and the trans was very loud in all gear but 4th and 5th. shifted perfect, just absurdly loud. After checking the FAQ I purchased used M46 low mileage, aluminum case J-type from a local volvo enthusiast, out of his old 85 744T. (P-Types are unobtanium) I got the J-Type all cleaned up replaced some gaskets, clutch fork etc.... when I went to put the P-type bell housing on the J-type there is a 1/4 gap between the mating surfaces and it won't budge any more. Obviously I'm not going to force it. The problem I see is that the snap ring on the front bearing of the P-Type is flush with gearbox case, the one on the J-type sticks our about..... you guessed it a 1/4".

My question is this: Is there something wrong with J-type or do I just need a compatible bellhousing. From all of my research it should be a direct swap with no issues? I would think both transmissions being from 740 would be a no brainer.

Also if anybody has a good P-type gear box I'll buy it, lol.