Is a torque converter something I can install myself?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 1
From: Port McNicoll Ontario
Is a torque converter something I can install myself?
Just what the title says.
87 L98 with a new torque converter sitting in the garage gathering dust.
Is this a job anyone can do, or is it one for the pros?
I'm not a mechanic but like to tinker. I have done some work myself like catback exhaust, B&M shift improver kit, lowered the front and rear, heater core and 1.6:1 rockers with new springs and valve seals.
Is the Torque converter any harder or more technical than what I have already done?
I just hate paying someone to do something I can do myself.
Thanks.
Jeff
87 L98 with a new torque converter sitting in the garage gathering dust.
Is this a job anyone can do, or is it one for the pros?
I'm not a mechanic but like to tinker. I have done some work myself like catback exhaust, B&M shift improver kit, lowered the front and rear, heater core and 1.6:1 rockers with new springs and valve seals.
Is the Torque converter any harder or more technical than what I have already done?
I just hate paying someone to do something I can do myself.
Thanks.
Jeff
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 1
From: Port McNicoll Ontario
It took me two attempts to get it right and a little coaching from Pete K but I got the shift kit done.
What tools would I need that I likely don't have?
Is there a tech tip anywhere that anyone knows about that would help me?
What tools would I need that I likely don't have?
Is there a tech tip anywhere that anyone knows about that would help me?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 1,352
I'm getting ready to do the same thing. I've been learning from Pete K as well. You can buy a transmission jack adaptor for $40.00
The adaptor works like this, you pull the saddle off your floor jack and put the trans adaptor on your jack. A flexplate/flywheel turner would be a good idea too. They only cost $25.00 and make turning the flexplate easy. A 14mm universal socket would be a good idea as well and a long extension. They make a 30" extension that is 3/8 male so you can use a smaller 3/8 drive socket on it yet the extension is 1/2 drive so you can put an impact to it or at least a big 1/2 drive ratchet.
A 9/16 line wrench would be good too. Pete K is the man that knows the transmissions, me I know tools and someday maybe I'll know how to use them all.
The adaptor works like this, you pull the saddle off your floor jack and put the trans adaptor on your jack. A flexplate/flywheel turner would be a good idea too. They only cost $25.00 and make turning the flexplate easy. A 14mm universal socket would be a good idea as well and a long extension. They make a 30" extension that is 3/8 male so you can use a smaller 3/8 drive socket on it yet the extension is 1/2 drive so you can put an impact to it or at least a big 1/2 drive ratchet.
A 9/16 line wrench would be good too. Pete K is the man that knows the transmissions, me I know tools and someday maybe I'll know how to use them all.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 1,352
Do a search, tools for trans removal, Pete gives alot of good info on that thread. Or just click my name and check all threads started by me
it's recent. I would link it but I'm lucky I can turn the computer on.
it's recent. I would link it but I'm lucky I can turn the computer on.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 1
From: Port McNicoll Ontario
Thanks, I haven't checked out your other threads yet but I will.
Sounds like I have all the tools but the adaptor for the jack and the flexplate/flywheel turner.
I'm not sure where I can get these things in Canada. Possibly Napa.
Sounds like I have all the tools but the adaptor for the jack and the flexplate/flywheel turner.
I'm not sure where I can get these things in Canada. Possibly Napa.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
the tranny jack at Harbor Freight is about 50.00. It has a strap and a plate, and works like a scissors jack. Uses a 1/2" drive ratchet to raise/lower. An impact wrench is a little on the fast side. 
You will want a 9/16" swivel socket with some long assed extentions for the motor to tranny bolts.
You will want a 9/16" swivel socket with some long assed extentions for the motor to tranny bolts.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 17,103
Likes: 39
From: stop the fun suckers
figure on spending 6-12 hours on it... 6 with a lift.. 12 without.. its not technically challenging.. its jsut having the right tools, clearance, patience and time.. its easier than the heater core!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 1
From: Port McNicoll Ontario
I had to open up the heater core twice too. I knocked the little door off it's track the first time and the heat was always on.
I will look into the tranny jack.
I have plenty of extensions.
What is a 9/16" swivel socket?
How much clearance do I need? This might be the thing that stops me from doing it myself.
Thanks.
I will look into the tranny jack.
I have plenty of extensions.
What is a 9/16" swivel socket?
How much clearance do I need? This might be the thing that stops me from doing it myself.
Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,870
Likes: 25
From: Long Island, NY
The Torque convertor swap is not that big of a job.
You will need to jack the car up from the front and back.
There are no special tools needed, but a 30" - 36" 3/8 extension is needed.
The convertor has 3 bolts and the Tranny to engine has 6 bolts.
You need to remove the driveshaft and loosen the C-Beam from the back.
A Tranny jack will help , but I just used my Craftsman jack to hold the Tranny up.
Vic
You will need to jack the car up from the front and back.
There are no special tools needed, but a 30" - 36" 3/8 extension is needed.
The convertor has 3 bolts and the Tranny to engine has 6 bolts.
You need to remove the driveshaft and loosen the C-Beam from the back.
A Tranny jack will help , but I just used my Craftsman jack to hold the Tranny up.
Vic
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 1
From: Port McNicoll Ontario
Originally Posted by Vic'89
The Torque convertor swap is not that big of a job.
You will need to jack the car up from the front and back.
There are no special tools needed, but a 30" - 36" 3/8 extension is needed.
The convertor has 3 bolts and the Tranny to engine has 6 bolts.
You need to remove the driveshaft and loosen the C-Beam from the back.
A Tranny jack will help , but I just used my Craftsman jack to hold the Tranny up.
Vic
You will need to jack the car up from the front and back.
There are no special tools needed, but a 30" - 36" 3/8 extension is needed.
The convertor has 3 bolts and the Tranny to engine has 6 bolts.
You need to remove the driveshaft and loosen the C-Beam from the back.
A Tranny jack will help , but I just used my Craftsman jack to hold the Tranny up.
Vic
What about exhaust, will it be in my way?
If I'm under there and need to take the exhaust off I should install my LT headers at the same time.
How high up does the car need to be? Will 4 jack stands do it?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by 383_BluByU
figure on spending 6-12 hours on it... 6 with a lift.. 12 without.. its not technically challenging.. its jsut having the right tools, clearance, patience and time.. its easier than the heater core!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 1
From: Port McNicoll Ontario
Originally Posted by bogus
I can pull a tranny in about 45 minutes now... it's not that bad. It's just getting to it.
I may not have been clear when I mentioned the headers. They are sitting in the garage beside the torque converter also collecting dust.
It sounds like I should do both these jobs at the same time or I will be repeating steps that I only need to do once like removing the x-brace.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 1
From: Port McNicoll Ontario
Originally Posted by 88BlackZ-51
jeff looks like cayuga oct 14th or 21st. your stall we help you alot off the line.