Difficult to install Torque converter

[xrunner123]

Is it difficult to install/replace the torque converter? Is it something for the trans guys to do or can I do it myself?

I have jack stands, an air compressor, and most tools for a back yard mechanic.

Does anyone know of a link that describes how to do it?

And one more thing- the only book I have is the Chiltons guide. Do most of the people that do work on their TR have the Service manual and is it a must to get?

Thanks,

 

[Grumpy]

not hard at all...just time consuming...make sure the converter "clicks" in place....if ya have the tranny up to the motor an it isnt tight to the bolck DO NOT USE THE TRANNY BOLTS TO "PULL" IT IN !!!

 

[KEVINS]

Grumpy is right. When you first bolt the tranny up to the block there should be a 3/8" gap between the converter and the flexplate. If not you will have to lower the tranny and try to get the converter to slip into the "notches" in the pump. This can be time consuming if you don't know what your looking for.

Good Luck..
ks

 

[xrunner123]

Sounds like this could be a tough job for just 1 person. Maybe I'll just leave it for the trans guy.

Thanks,

 

[Red Regal T]

If you've never pulled your trans down, you might do well to have a helper. I've done it a bunch of times myself so I know what to expect. It's still a PIA.

Considering the high quality of workmanship out there , I'd recommend you do it yourself. How ya gonna learn? It's a pretty straight forward job.......take it out, put it back in. Plenty of guys here to help you through.

 

[TIMS87GN]

I agree. If you don't mind the time and effort, do it yourself! It is all part of the learning experience. Although, if you have access to a lift and air tools it will be sooo much easier! I've installed two converters this past year with my friend Rob at LS1 Motorsports letting me have rack time. Friends are great!

 

[NASSTY]

Originally posted by TIMS87GN
I agree. If you don't mind the time and effort, do it yourself! It is all part of the learning experience. Although, if you have access to a lift and air tools it will be sooo much easier! I've installed two converters this past year with my friend Rob at LS1 Motorsports letting me have rack time. Friends are great!

I agree, my friend Larry is awesome.His garage is where I did the motor and tranny swaps on both of my cars and exhaust and shocks and bushings and posis and brakes and fuelpumps.My cars are frequent flyers on his lift.I bet he can hardly wait for spring.

 

[turbov6joe]

It can be scarey the first time, but look at it this way... the $$$ you'll save and the experience you'll gain will be worth the time. After you do it a few times (and you will if you make any kind of significant power or race it often) you'll be able to R&R the tranny in 3 hours or less.

You only have 6 bellhousing bolts to remove.
You only have 3 converter bolts to remove.
You only have 4 crossmember bolts to remove.
You only have 2 tranny lines to remove.
Remove the TV cable and feed it down to the tranny.
Remove the crossover pipe.
Remove the driveshaft.
Remove the exhaust hanger.
Remove the tranny linkage from the pan.

Place a tranny jack or floor jack with a piece of wood on it under the pan towards the front of the pan. Gently pull back on the tranny to pop it off of the engine guides and hang on tight. Have your buddy help ballance it and lower the jack. Both of you pull the tranny off of the jack and lay it on a piece of carpet or something soft to slide it out from under the car. Give the converter a few good yanks and it should pop off...hang on tight, it's about 40 pounds with fluid. These steps are in no particular order, just make certain that the jack is under the tranny and pushing up on it for support before you remove any bolts! The hardest part will be lining it back up on the engine guides and securing a few bellhousing bolts. Borrow or buy a LONG 3/8 drive extension with a swivle to reach the upper bellhousing bolts...can be a bitch the first time as GM used some kind of monster impact to tighten them up at the factory! Have fun!

 

[Thunder]

There is a tech article on this, over at gnttype.org. Ken took the time to write it up, and give hints for the hard to reach bolts, and also bolt head sizing. Look over there under technical articles.

 

[Quick6]

I also find it easier to remove the coil pack/int module assy to get to the 2 upper bell housing bolts, I always fear that by using the long extension with swivel that I will wind up cross threading those upper 2 bolts.

 

[salvageV6]

If you are good at what you do work an extra saturday OT. and pay for the guy with the lift and the air tools.

Watching it done for the first time is very helpful.

So helpful I'll be watching the second time too.

Trannys were getting swapped out so I preferred the lift and extra help.

 

[xrunner123]

Thanks for the replies.

I do believe the experience and money saved is worthwhile, but I have to weigh this against the risk of doing something wrong, breaking something, or not being able to put things back together.

But I do like to do things myself so I know (or try to ) that it is done correctly and I won't jump into something unless I know that I can do it right.

Thanks Thunder for pointing me to the tech articles 1 and 2 on the gnttype site.