I was wondering if there is a difference in sizes on torque converter hubs? I am trying to install a 3.4 with a 700R4 tranny, and I cannot seem to get the hub to go into the back of the crank. (At least not all the way.)

Comparing the two, I see the back of the crankshaft on my 2.8 is a completely wide open cavity, while on the 3.4 there is some kind of spring tabs surrounding the opening. (Looks like someone cut small wedges out to allow it to spread wider, sorry I can't describe it better.)

Am I going to need a different torque converter? I've tried to wedge them together to see if it was just sticking, but to no avail.

Any help is very, very greatly appreciated!!

 

I did the 3.4 swap and everything fit togther.. I wish you good luck

 

Ok...thanks to some nice folks on the S-Series site, I think I have it figured out. Looks like the motor I was shipped wasn't from an auto after all...the item in the way is apparently the pilot bushing for a manual. Go ahead and laugh..I am. First time I have replaced an engine on a GM, had no idea that there was such a thing even.

Now for the next question...what is the best way to remove it? The engine is in..thinking about lifting the tranny up out of the way and trying to pry it out. Sound reasonable?

 

I cant laugh, I have helped others and ran into this.

You will need to slide the tranny back outta the way and I was told to use a dent puller for body repair.

OR CAREFULLY drill it out.

 

there is a special slide hammer used for removing it, similar to the ones used for axle bearings. see if autozone or similar has one to rent

 

This works on my pontiac v-8"s... fill the cavity full of grease (behind the bushing,etc.) Then insert a dowel or extention into the hole, it must be a pretty close fit, then hit it in (toward front of motor) and the pressure from the grease will force the bushing out. Sounds weird, but it works.

 

if you don't have an extension that fits tight in the hole, find a socket that fits nice and put it backwards on a 6 inch extension. you will have to hit it with a hammer pretty hard. if it isn't working, then hit it harder or get a bigger hammer. trust me, this is the easiest way to do it.

 

Got it out, used an awl and a hammer. It was in such rough shape that it shattered nicely. (Good thing I didn't need it for a manual I guess...) Engine is now in and looking beautiful. Just have to figure out why no spark now. Think my alarm system has cut the power, but not entirely sure yet. It says that it isn't on, but it's behaving like it is. Hopefully will have it sorted out tomorrow morning. Thanks again to everyone who replied on this, greatly appreciate all the help!

 

I'm going to ask a dumb question here, because it hasn't been established already and is critical...

I assume due to the presence of that pilot bushing that the motor shipped sans flywheel/flexplate... If you're using your 2.8 flexplate, it's a 1987 or later flexplate, right? If you get it running with an '86-earlier flexplate, you'll toast the 3.4 in short order with a counterbalanced flexplate.

 

I'm using a 1994 Camaro flexplate. (Verified the P/N with my local dealer.)