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I have a '99 F250 V10 SD that we're swapping out a scattered 4R100 with a reman. We're ready to loosen everything up but the only way I see to turn the torque converter is either with the starter motor (sketchy) or by cranking on the converter body with a big screwdriver thru the access hole in the bottom of the bell housing. We used the screwdriver technique to move the flex plate nuts into position to remove them since this converter is going into the trash, but I'm not sure I want to crank on the new coverter body to install. Any words of wisdom? Should we be using the starter motor w/remote switch to position things?
If you have a helper have them turn motor by the crank bolt and a long 1/2" ratchet. If not use a pry bar to lock grab the teeth on the tq converter and spin it that way
Those are the best two options. I personally prefer the crank bolt method, unhook the battery if you're afraid it'll start on you, and a helper goes a long way toward making it easier to line everything up.
You won't actually be prying on the converter body, but rather the flexplate. And as long as you're getting good engagement with your prybar/big screwdriver, or using the flywheel tool, you aren't going to hurt that flexplate. The starter essentially does the same thing to it every time you start the truck.