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How to remove T5 trans to bellhousing passenger side upper bolt

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Old May 26, 2026 | 04:30 PM
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Vivalafelix's Avatar
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How to remove T5 trans to bellhousing passenger side upper bolt

Hello I am currently pulling my trans out of my 87 V6 with the T5. I removed 3/4 of the trans to bellhousing bolts but am stuck on the upper passenger side bolt as its in a inconvenient location. Can anyone give me guidance how they managed to get it out? Thank you

the bolt is circled in red
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Old May 26, 2026 | 05:23 PM
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Re: How to remove T5 trans to bellhousing passenger side upper bolt

A 20in(or so) extension w an angle buster/u joint.
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Old May 26, 2026 | 06:44 PM
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Re: How to remove T5 trans to bellhousing passenger side upper bolt

That bolt can be removed with a torx, yes? Iirc, it's near impossible with a regular socket. But yeah, long extension with a wobble. I use an extension that has a wobble built into it.
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Old May 26, 2026 | 11:00 PM
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Re: How to remove T5 trans to bellhousing passenger side upper bolt

Crack it free with a socket / extension.
Spin it out with a Torx.

Ever see another hex / Torx bolt? They knew.
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Old May 27, 2026 | 09:43 AM
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Re: How to remove T5 trans to bellhousing passenger side upper bolt

impossible with a regular socket
Yup, it's kinda behind those "features" of the casting.

That's why those have a Torx in the first place. A socket won't go in there. A wrench might butt they're not gonna stand there swinging a wrench on a production line. So they put a Torx bit on their hydraulic driver, so they can zap em in there in a half-second or whatever. They couldn't give a rat's reeking buttocks for your inconvenience taking them back out while laying on the floor of your garage; that's your problem, not theirs. Jerks.

Not sure those are regular Torx. They may be "Torx Plus" instead, like the bolts that hold a 4L60E bell housing to the case. Exactly the same except slightly different. I don't really know butt it would be worth checking.
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Old May 28, 2026 | 07:51 PM
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Re: How to remove T5 trans to bellhousing passenger side upper bolt

I finally got if off today for those interested this is what worked for me:
15mm 1/2" drive stubby socket, then a 3" extension, then a u joint socket, then 10" extension, onto a 1/2" ratchet with a metal pipe around it for leverage.
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