How to Replace the Torque Converter in an Auto Transmission
- 1). Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery with a wrench. Disconnect the transmission TV (kickdown) cable at the carburetor linkage. Raise the vehicle high enough to remove the transmission. Support it with jack stands. Place the drip pan under the transmission pan and remove all the bolts from the pan except the two closest to the engine, using a 13mm socket.
- 2). Remove the last two bolts slowly to allow the pan to drop and drain the fluid into the drip pan. Remove the pan and clean it thoroughly with brake cleaner. Spray the bottom of the valve body to clean any visible residue. Reinstall the pan and tighten all the bolts.
- 3). Remove the drive shaft by taking the four bolts out of the yoke, using a wrench. Pull the drive shaft out of the transmission. Disconnect the transmission gearshift linkage at the shift rod by removing the cotter pin and pulling the rod out. Disconnect the speedometer cable, if mechanically driven, using a pliers to turn the threaded end off the transmission speedometer driver. Disconnect all electrical connectors.
- 4). Remove the torque converter the front lower cover, using a wrench. Remove the starter, using a socket and ratchet, then move it slightly out of the way. Remove all the torque converter-to-flexplate bolts using a socket. It will be necessary to turn the crankshaft with a socket or flexplate with the screwdriver to gain access to the next bolt in succession.
- 5). Remove the two transmission cooler lines located on the passenger side of the transmission, using a wrench. Remove the bolt on the passenger side that secures the transmission filler tube to the bell housing, using a socket with an extension. Use the screwdriver to pry the filler tube up and out of the transmission case.
- 6). Remove the two bolts in the bottom of the transmission mount, using a socket. Remove the two bolts on either side of the cross-member securing the cross-member to the frame, using a wrench and a socket.
- 7). Place the floor jack under the transmission pan and raise the transmission off the cross-member so it can be removed. Lower the transmission to gain access to all the bell-housing bolts. Remove the bell-housing bolts. Pull the transmission back carefully, since it is heavy and awkward. Lower it down so it can be handled safely.
- 8). Pull the torque converter out of the input shaft, keeping in mind that it is still full of fluid. Try to avoid tipping it or there will be a mess.
- 9). Install the new torque converter. It will need to be lifted slightly and jiggled so that it goes all the way in. Notice before it is installed how the input shaft has two square cuts in the shaft. The torque converter needs to mesh with these slots. When the torque converter is all the way in, it will go in with a resounding "thud" and will be at least an inch farther back than the front of the bell housing. Replace everything in reverse order of removal.