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Help with converter install

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Old Dec 1, 2021 | 03:14 PM
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Default Help with converter install

I have an 08 with the 6l80 and installed a circle D converter but after putting the trans back on and having everything bolted up, I end up with about half an inch of a gap between the converter and the torque tube where it bolts up. That seems like its way too much and was wondering if anybody has ever ran into this? Doesn’t seem normal to me, anybody know what could be causing that big gap?
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Old Dec 1, 2021 | 04:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Abelardoo_12
I have an 08 with the 6l80 and installed a circle D converter but after putting the trans back on and having everything bolted up, I end up with about half an inch of a gap between the converter and the torque tube where it bolts up. That seems like its way too much and was wondering if anybody has ever ran into this? Doesn’t seem normal to me, anybody know what could be causing that big gap?
There should be a pretty small gap between the converter and flex plate when you first install it, which you close by pulling the converter forward before bolting that and the flex plate together.

According to Yank the gap should be between 3/32" and 3/16" which is pretty close to the 1/8" Circle D lists on their website. Although Circle D says to use the supplied washers to close any excess gap, I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that if what you have on yours is truly a 1/2".

What I would recommend doing is getting an accurate measurement of the gap with a drill bit and then call Circle D to see what they think. If they tell you it's okay to install it with the their supplied washers and it ends up taking out your transmission in the process, then at least you'll have somebody to blame if that does happen.

Under no circumstances however would I continue with the installation because if you have to pull the converter too far forward to close the gap (even with the washers installed) you run the risk of tearing up the front pump in the transmission which is not a cheap repair.
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Old Dec 2, 2021 | 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by subfloor@centurytrans
There should be a pretty small gap between the converter and flex plate when you first install it, which you close by pulling the converter forward before bolting that and the flex plate together.

According to Yank the gap should be between 3/32" and 3/16" which is pretty close to the 1/8" Circle D lists on their website. Although Circle D says to use the supplied washers to close any excess gap, I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that if what you have on yours is truly a 1/2".

What I would recommend doing is getting an accurate measurement of the gap with a drill bit and then call Circle D to see what they think. If they tell you it's okay to install it with the their supplied washers and it ends up taking out your transmission in the process, then at least you'll have somebody to blame if that does happen.

Under no circumstances however would I continue with the installation because if you have to pull the converter too far forward to close the gap (even with the washers installed) you run the risk of tearing up the front pump in the transmission which is not a cheap repair.
the gap’s measurement seems to be at 7/16. I called circle D and they just confirmed that was too much and that there might be something else causing this. I noticed the new converter was a bit shorter than the stock one, I think that’s where the bigger gap is coming from. Is there a way to adjust the plate where the torque converter bolts up to? I noticed on the side of the engines flex plate where the torque tube bolts up, there is a shaft that’s being held by a clamp and looks like it could be loosened and move the shaft back to bring the plate closer to the converter. Not sure of the correct terms for them, but would this be possible?
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Old Dec 2, 2021 | 07:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Abelardoo_12
the gap’s measurement seems to be at 7/16. I called circle D and they just confirmed that was too much and that there might be something else causing this. I noticed the new converter was a bit shorter than the stock one, I think that’s where the bigger gap is coming from. Is there a way to adjust the plate where the torque converter bolts up to? I noticed on the side of the engines flex plate where the torque tube bolts up, there is a shaft that’s being held by a clamp and looks like it could be loosened and move the shaft back to bring the plate closer to the converter. Not sure of the correct terms for them, but would this be possible?
I wouldn't do it as It's too expensive of a repair to start trying things. I'd recommend calling them again and ask for the measurement of the snout. Even though their converters are probably smaller overall than stock ones, that measurement is likely the same. This might help you figure out how to proceed but I think you're looking at having to pull it out again.
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