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i just wanted to know if there is a full plate between the engine and tranny or just an inspection plate and also is there a trick to putting the engine and tranny back togehter?thanks guys
I think it would be correct to say both. You have a solid plate between the engine and trans then a small one at the bottom. I would say you need the plate as all the clearances are figured with it so you may push the converter back enough to cause some unwanted effect, don't hold me to that but I am sure that is correct. Trick is make sure the converter is all the way in and the studs on the converter line up with the flexplate. Have help, I had to install mine by my self with a small foor jack and a lot of frustration. Good luck
I second making sure the torque convertor is fully seated in the tranny. It should feel like three steps dropping in. Also, don't use the bell housing bolts to force the two together. If you can get one or two started, wiggle the engine or tranny (whichever is going in) to bring them together. If they won't slide together, something is not right.
yes, jw is right. I found out the hard way about the torque converter. I used the bellhousing bolts to draw the tranny in and my t.c. bolts missed and warped the flex plate. Of course this was my first attempt at removing/installing a tranny and put it back together after alligning the bolts only to have the flywheel hit the starter (I'm guessing). But anyways, I ruined the t.c. and had to buy another.
Also, if this is your first, try to get a buddy to assist you in getting the tranny up and lined up. It makes it soooo much easier.
OK you asked for the trick. This especially comes in real handy if the tranny is still in the truck and you are installing the motor. Get two 1/2" bolts about 3 inches long. Cut the heads of the bolts off. Screw them into the motor in the bolt holes right next to the alignment pins on the back of the block. If you screw them in with your fingers only it will be easier to get them back out. These new longer alignment pins will help guide the two together. As mentioned earlier be sure the torque converter studs are lined up with the corresponding holes in the flexplate as it goes together. Good luck and I third the notion of getting someone to help you!
*edit* Forgot to say "HEY!" to my fellow Nebraskan. Hey the Huskers won today! *edit*
Oops thought that was covered.
Yes I would definately use the tin spacer plate. Get one from the junkyard for a couple bucks. Double check that the starter hole lines up with your bellhousing and your good to go.
Another option would be to lobby around to see if anyone who visits this forum, the Transmission forum, or the 80-86 f150 forum, has one laying in their garage that they'd like to sell.