Hey,

I am trying to remove the transmission from a 97 bravada for use in a thirdgen firebird I am building. I am having a problem getting to the torque converter bolts because the bellhousing has no inspection cover -- its solid all the way around. Do I have to take the oil pan off the get to them on these vehicles or what? I have all the bellhousing bolts off (9 I think) and was hoping I could take the trans off with the converter still atached to the flexplate but I cant make it budge.

Sorry its not a totally thirdgen topic but I do need it for the project.

 

if you want to remove the trans with the TC attached to the flex plate why are you trying to get the bolts out? to do that you'd need to move the trans backward quite a bit, like 6-9 inches and down and out. be best to remove the TC with the trans. no idea how the olds is put together but one way or another you should be able to remove the bolts. does the trans have a SBC bolt pattern? i'd guess it doesn't with 9 bolts.

 

Well Im having a hard time getting any separation between the trans and engine and the only thing connecting the two besides gunk on the bellhousing to engine surface is the spline in the torque converter. Its like the converter is somehow locked onto the input shaft. Like I said above I cannot see how to access the TC bolts without dropping the oil pan (cast unit).

This is a 97 AWD vortech 4.3 with a 4l60e trans. I dont care about the bellhousing because all I want is the trans but man I hate to cut a hole in the bellhouse just to get to the TC bolts when I could sell it.

 

Sounds like one of those newer full circle bolt pattern housing. It should pull away once all the bolts are out. There are also dowel pins that align the engine and trans. Try supporting the trans as much as possible before you pull it back. It should come right off

 

Remove the starter ...you should be able to get the bolts out then

 

Yes they do appear to make the full circle with the bellhousing bolts. I took the starter off already and have tried wiggling the whole assembly all over the place with it supported in multiple positions. I also had a screwdriver in a slot between the mounting surfaces that looks like it was put there to get leverage between the trans and engine. No joy.

I will go home tonight and look for any bolts I missed on the bellhouse-- and count them again. Does anyone know how many there should be?

Anyway if that doesnt work I guess Ill drop the oil pan.

Thanks for the help.

 

oh wait I see what you mean the starter hole should give me access to the TC bolts ----

Wow I cant belive how stupid I am. Thanks again.

 

ok got the torque converter bolts out through the starter hole but the trans still wont separate. I am thinking I missed a bellhousing bolt. I only got 9 so maybe there is one I missed.