1996 Ford Explorer installing torque converter to transmiss

CRGTENIO

MEMBER
1996 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
12,300 MILES

I am replacing my motor in my truck and am having a hard time mounting the transmission to the engine cuz I think the torque converter isn't all the way in the transmission because when I tighten the transmission housing to the engine I can't turn the motor over by the crankshaft or flywheel, but when I loosen the bolts around the housing which gives me a gap less than a quarter of an inch then it will spin freely. What am I doing wrong or what is the cheapest most efficient way of doing this? I believe the torque converter needs to go back at least more than an eigth to a quarter of an inch more into the pump but how do I do this and it has been weeks. I don't know what else to do.

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 AT 7:34 PM

2 Replies

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

Hello,

Have you made sure the Studs on the converter are lined up with the Holes on the flywheel for bolting the convert to the flywheel. If so you will need to pull engine out enough to get to the converter and spin it slowly while pushing in and it will slide into place once it hit the right spot.

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Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 AT 7:42 PM

ATKAPARKING

MEMBER
64 POSTS

Yeah this is kind of tricky, no real way to explain it but easiest if you see it done. Pull the convertor out, slide it onto the input shaft until it sits there, then slowly spin it while pushing gently in at the same time. It should have 3 distinct "steps" as it slides in. Keep trying and don't give up--you're acquiring valuable mechanical skills that'll save you money in the future--or make you money. Also be careful when you jack it back up--I assume you're working on the ground. If the tranny tilts down (at the convertor end) or gets banged around, the convertor can slip out one notch. Then it works fine for a day or two until it chews up the convertor and pump splines. (Personal experience) Then you just have to remember that an operation is always faster the second time around.

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Thursday, April 30th, 2009 AT 6:31 PM