Transmission Removal, 540 Auto, Fishing for ideas.

[blue540]

Very interesting, keep us posted with progress, I'm watching this closely. Are you taking pics? Is this a pro only job or can a DIY mechanic do it as well?

I will grab some pictures tomorrow (today). Particulary of the nasty exhaust down pipe bolt configuration, total nightmare to remove. Especially when nuts have all but rusted away.

As for being a DIY job, kind of depends on how much of gluten for punishment you are. I am totally prepared for this not to work at all. No guarantee with a second hand box from ebay. I have swapped a 5hp18 in an E38 before, so I kind of knew what I was expecting. Hardest bit is getting the car high enough in the air. Creative use of concrete blocks required.

Can you replace the torque converter without removing the whole box?

In short, No.

What was wrong with your old box? Sorry I can't give any advice but you wouldn't want any from me anyway when it comes to gearboxes.

Old box suffered snapped off reverse clutch pack retaining clips (I think), lost reverse all together and found small bits of metal on top of the valve body upon removal. See link in first post for pics. I was pleased not to find similar pieces of broken metal in the 'New' box.

[whiskychaser]

I dont have another torque convertor so the old one is going back in. While on the subject, I've read that it's very important to mark where the torque convertor sits on the shaft. Why is this critical?

I think what he meant was he marked the TC position in the bellhousing so he would know how when it was fully 'home'. (There is a gear inside the TC that engages in the gearbox) Put the TC in the box then spin it slowly while pushing it in. It will probably go back a couple of inches. Worth noting his warnings about ATF lurking in the TC and behind the filter