Automatic Transmission (727) Installation

[jhatcher]

This is my first auto and I wanted to thank the others for the answer about getting a new flexplate because the ring gear was messed up. Anyway I finally wrestled the sucker in got the bolts started but I can not get the flexplate to torque converter bolts started. I was reading in my Chiltons and it said BEFORE installation make sure the converter hub is securely engaged by twisting it clockwise. I did not do this. So here is the situation. I have the bolts holding the transmission snug. When I stick the flexplate to torque bolts in they will not reach anything. I tried to turn the harmonic balancer bolt to see if the bolts may line up. I could not even move it. It was way to tight. What am I doing wrong? Do I need to remove it (shiver) make sure the converter is all the way on then put it back together????

I hope this made some sense and thanks for the help.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

I am figureing you did it right. The Trans is flush against the block. The torque converter and flexplate have a space between them, this being the cause the bolts will not reach. If this is the case all you need to do is gently pry the torque converter forward to meet the flex plate. I will mention that the TF727 Torque Converter and Flexplate bolt holes are indexed paterned. This means you will only get all four in, if the Torque and flexplate are in the right position with each other. Good Luck ;)

[oldyellowwagoneer]

was the original trans a turbo 400? or is this an engine out of a turbo 400 or manual transmission? if so then you may have the pilot bushing(manual), or the torque convertor shim inside the end of the crank. DENNIS

[jhatcher]

Crazy,

So then if the bolts dont line up can I turn the flexplate or the Torque Converter to get them to line up? If so what direction and which one?

Thanks

[Dive 30]

You will have to do a little of both unfortuneately. You will have to get to a spot where you can put a bolt on the flexplate, then rotate the torque converter until you get a bolt hole lined up. Push the two together. Put one bolt in. Pray to all things Jeep and good. Then turn the motor to the next bolt hole and hopefully they will line up.

More than likely you will spend a lot of time putting a bolt in, turning the motor to the next one, finding that it doesn't match. Take out the bolt you put in, turn the torque converter one bolt hole, re-insert bolt, turn motor, still doesn't line up with the next hole, etc. until you finally get it properly indexed.

My Dad and I did that the first time we swapped motors in my '77. No fun.

Phil

edit: I guess I should clarify. To turn the flexplate you have to turn the motor in the direction of rotation (CCW I think). The torque converter you have to pry slightly away from the flexplate it will spin either way, then you will have to push it back up against the flexplate for the bolts to be long enough.

[ January 19, 2002: Message edited by: Dive 30 ]</p>

[reddog]

Pull the spark plugs and squirt a little oil in the cylinders (if it has been sitting for a while). This will make it easier to turn the motor over by hand so you can line up the convertor bolts.

Kerry