Ive read that there is a "window" somewhere on the side of the automatic transmissions that makes it easier to get the torque converter bolts in and out.

I have never seen it, is it really there, or just on some trucks?

I ask b/c i had a problem with my converter bolts backing out and hitting the case as they went around. I got new bolts and locktite, but they are such a pain in the rear to get in and out from the bottom. I got one new one in and was so mad after an hour i stopped before i got even more angry


Thanks guys

 

It seems that some do and some don’t. Don’t know why but I am sure someone else will chime in here on this. My 92 that I just got has a window (slot cut on the engine side) but my 93 does not. When I put the new tranny in the 93 I had to grind just a tinny bit off the head of the bolt to get it to slid in. when I pulled the old tranny out I had to use a crow bar to flex things just enough to get the bolt to drop out.

 

On my "99" , passenger side there is a "window" to allow you access to the TC bolts. I watched as the guys at Georend Bros. used it. While I acutally didn't see the window I watched the guy apply thread lock & use a torque wrench to install the bolts. He had about a 24" extention. The truck was on a lift and he was standing underneath. Hope that helps.

 

This window is on the psssenger side right about crankshaft centerline level. I used this when my downpipe was out and it was easy. But with the downpipe on it may be just as hard.

 

ok so if that is the window then what is this slot i have on my 92? i just assumed the slot was the window everyone was talking about. is it another window? humm more questions then answers

 

There should be 2 holes one for the baring tool(to rotate the engine and the secont to remove the t/c bolts. right side of engine whill siting it truck!

 

It is on the right side of the engine right behind the heat exchanger. it has a cover over it that is held on with two bolts. it is hard to see, but it is there. you may want to pull the down pipe out to make it easier to get to.

 

man wish i would have found that when i was doing the tranns. sure would have made things easier.

 

They all have the window, but I've found it easier on the 1st gen trucks to do it from the bottom, like you did. I use a small bar to flex the flexplate, and the bolts pop right in to place.

Incidentally, when you remove the bottom insp. cover, you will notice a small arrow cast into the adapter plate. When you line up a converter bolt hole with that arrow, another bolt hole will be lined up in the upper access hole. (window)

 

24" extension, Suncost told me to only retighten to 17 lbs ft. Be careful to not rind the heads off.