1995 GMC Sierra Transmission/Torque converter

Tiny
AROWE
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 GMC SIERRA
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I blew my transmission due to incorrect radiator that didnt have transmission cooling. I got a replacement truck in which I want to use the transmission from. Its a 97 GMC Sierre with a 302 motor. I tried to install a couple times and torque converter hit fly wheel. I took out tranny and reseated torque converter. Made sure it was double seated but the Torque Converter wont turn freely. Is tranny bad?Also busted a mounting bolt hole off tranny housing. Can I install with only 5 mounting bolts?
Tuesday, November 26th, 2013 AT 9:08 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,176 POSTS
It sounds like something is different. Normally, we only recommend direct fit parts because of these types of problems, but lets see what we can do.

If you put the converter into the front pump, does it seat and turn, or is that when it doesn't turn? If it doesn't, turn freely, you may have a bad front pump. Also, is this the converter from the parts truck or the original one?
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Tuesday, November 26th, 2013 AT 9:27 AM
Tiny
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I have both torque converters but not sure which one is which. I have tried both and neither will turn. Can the old blown tranny be used to fix the replacement?
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Monday, December 2nd, 2013 AT 4:34 AM
Tiny
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I brought the tranny inside to warm up, plus easier to work on. I have tried to reseat the torque converter a few times. I can tell that its all the way seated and the torque converter will turn but not freely. It takes quite a bit of pressure and you can hear that its turning something inside. It has been drained and sitting outside for a few weeks. Could it be dry or frozen inside? Is it expensive to fix?
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Monday, December 2nd, 2013 AT 8:47 AM
Tiny
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If you slightly pull the converter away from the pump, does it turn? And no, I don't think anything would be frozen.
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Monday, December 2nd, 2013 AT 10:33 AM
Tiny
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I have to pull the torque converter out at least an inch to be able to turn freely. If the front pump is gone, which is cheaper, fixing the tranny or getting a replacement tranny from the junk yard for $600
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Friday, December 6th, 2013 AT 6:35 AM
Tiny
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If the front pump is bad, chances are there is other damage in the transmission. You may be better off getting a different one with a warranty.
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Friday, December 6th, 2013 AT 9:24 AM
Tiny
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I have a replacement tranny installed but there is a knocking.
I believe it is the torque converter to flex plate bolts are loose.
I misplaced the correct bolts and may have put wrong ones in.
There is a 1/4-1/2 inch gap between flexplate and torque converter. 1-What is the correct length of bolts? 2-Can I just pull the torque converter back to the flexplate or should I add washers? I have heard both.
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 AT 7:04 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If the converter is loose, most likely that is the cause of the noise. I hate to say it, but I have no information on the length of the bolts. As far as using washers, I wouldn't recommend it. Try contacting a dealer to see if they have the part number for the bolt. From that, they should be able to tell you exactly what you need.
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Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
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I have the knocking problem fixed.
My problem now is a screaching noise from the starter when I start it. It goes away once vehicle starts. Also, tranny slips in 3rd and drive. I will check and make sure fluid is full first.
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Thursday, December 12th, 2013 AT 6:35 AM
Tiny
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Des the starter sound like it isn't engaging properly? Were there any shims when you took it apart?

I don't like the idea that it is slipping in 3rd and drive. Did you get a warranty with the transmission from where you got it?
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Thursday, December 12th, 2013 AT 8:39 AM
Tiny
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60 day warrentee
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Thursday, December 12th, 2013 AT 12:25 PM
Tiny
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Contact them and tell them what is happening. Let them know there is a possible problem, but you want to check a few things before removing the transmission again.
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Thursday, December 12th, 2013 AT 6:37 PM

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