auto tranny install

[92ColoradoTurbo]

So we got the bad tranny out and the torque converter stayed in and is still attached to the back of the engine. We figured this was great since it would be one less thing the reinstall. Now we are busting our butts trying to get this new tranny in and its so close but it won't go all the way in. Then someone told me the tc needs to be attached to the tranny while installing it rather than having the tc on the back of the engine... My question is, do we have to drop the tranny again and attach the tc to it or will what we are doing somehow work out by turning the driveshaft?

[92ColoradoTurbo]

This is all in a 4eat 92 turbo wagon

[Legacy777]

Yes the torque converter should be attached to the transmission. Were you trying to install the trans with the main input shaft still attached to the torque converter? If so, that is not going to work, and hopefully nothing was damaged. The torque converter with input shaft needs to be properly seated into the trans, and then that bolted up to the engine.

[92ColoradoTurbo]

Yea asubaru mechanic friend stopped by and stopped us in time. But now since we only have the torque converter off the bad tranny, he said there's a bunch of crap in it and we have to clean best we can, the tranny fluid pouring out of the tc was super thick and black. So he said to drain it and pour like 4+ cans of brake cleaner in it, shake it around and pour it out to try and clean it out. Then let it sit to dry out of course. But when we put it on the tranny, do we have to fill the tc full of tranny fluid first, or just fill it all up when everything is put back together?

[rallyak]

I would put at least 1qt in the converter. I'm not sure that I like the black thick oil and junk in it, it's not easy to clean it out. I'm just concerned that if in not cleaned out good it may damage the new trans.

[Legacy777]

I agree I'd put at least a quart in. I guess see what things look like after cleaning out the torque converter. If you can't seem to get it clean, I'd try and find another torque converter to use.

[alexandermf]

I'm prolly just gonna give him mine since its way better condition than the one he HAS and will be better to clean out.