need help with my 4 speed tranny

Did you check to see if the bearing retainer hole in the bellhousing is the same as the bearing retainer size on the transmission? There are 2 sizes that it could be; 4.35 or 4.80 (unless it is an overdrive, which it probably is not since you said C-body). Sounds like maybe you have a 4.35" bellhousing and a 4.8" transmission. Or do you mean the bolt holes don't line up?