Torque Converter Install and Setback Clearance - THE SKID FACTORY - [Quick Tech]

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Today on The Skid Factory, Al Shows you how to correctly install a Torque Converter into your Transmission and how to measure your Converter "Setback Clearance"
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Please note: We like to make interesting car mods and show you how we've gone about it, but we can't promise that anything we show you will work for your particular car, or that you won't harm yourself, someone else, your car or your warranty doing it. Please be safe, be responsible and unless you know what you're doing, do not fool around with very serious machinery just because you've seen us make it look so easy.

[@802Garage]

Thank you so much for actually explaining the three clunks. Nobody ever does! I rarely work with autos, but still wanted to know.

[@helplmchoking]

I love these videos, I either learn how to do something properly and not balls it up, or I learn it's definitely outside my skill range and not worth learning as I go. Either way, super valuable! There's a reason you guys are my favourite channel on this site!

[@professorginz2379]

Thank you, Thank you,Thank you,! I ruined my pump and torque converter, and installing the new ones I am experiencing the same lack of clearance. My flex plate has a spacer, so now I know that I need to remove it. There are plenty of transmission videos on KZbin, but you are the only one to thoroughly explain this.

[@CharleyGeorge]

I love how Al geeks out on stuff.

[@jspilly82]

thanks for this info. ive come back to watch this 4 or 5 times now. love these tech vids. gonna miss these when als gone

[@abdulhassan1107]

Exactly what I was searching for!! I'm putting together a roller block 302 and a C4 but the flexplates sold today are .030" thicker than original stock, and therefore, need to check the sitback. Thanks a lot for the video, mate.

[@NOMORE-ss9qx]

Doing this job tomorrow! Thanks TYoda and thanks youtube recommendations!

[@carskanay]

Exactly what I wanted to know, thank you very much for the detailed information. Greatly appreciated.

[@pablojones5613]

I usually learn bits and pieces from your videos, however this one taught me heaps. Cheers guys, keep up the great work.

[@garatt3430]

Thanks for this tech mate,very timely,I would have just bolted the C4 up,but thats because of my inexperience with auto’s full stop,anyway,just measured up at 4.27mm so learnt something new,thanks again

[@fitzyholden1036]

Not had that problem with too little clearance before, but good to know that fix. Reken I might even remember that trick many years and lemon squashes from now. Thanks Al.

[@edgardodejesus7200]

You can’t go wrong by measuring put it back the torque converter,it is great idea.Thank you soo much Great video👍👍

[@johnswimcat]

Superb video. We are changing the auto box on a Vito and this should be very helpful

[@gepwxaqdfsidsesg1548]

Thanks for this Al. I need to pull the trans from my PRV 604 and put teeth on the flex plate to create a crank sensor, so this is super useful advice.

[@Escapetosea]

Best video on the subject I’ve seen.

[@hampusjohansson5630]

Nice unboxing in the end, realy fun to se you guys open fan mail :0

[@jojomcgee3430]

Great video! Been 25 years since I've installed a transmission and this video was very useful in reassuring me on installing a torque converter!

[@stephencook7337]

Very informative video. Thank you so much.

[@nickgrech9634]

Awesome video guys!

[@Imrahil94]

You guys should consider doing a Quick Tech about flex plates! Thanks for your work!

[@deanking8492]

Nice video guys. Keep up the good work.

[@mikeymasi]

Killed it as usual

[@andershaugen5463]

Al was extremely close on his Norwegian pronounciation 👍

[@mrstfu]

I hope you enjoyed the Kvikk Lunsj guys, it's more or less Norways pride and glory in chocolate snacks. Oh and come to Gatebil in july next year, I'll be your guide whenever I can stand upright

[@user-tb8im7sm1u]

Thank you for the lesson 🙏

[@gregmckinney6977]

Thanks for the info. I knew there needed to be clearance between the TC face and flexplate, but not that it could be too great (within reason of course).

[@VanMan89]

Awesome video!

[@PirateMTH_ToddH]

Great info. Thanks!

[@Blackadar56]

Thanks for the helpful information. I was looking for the cause of flex plate bolts rubbing on the engine spacer plate and inspection cover. Turns out we missed one detail when connecting the flex plate to the torque converter. Make sure the torque converter drain plugs are lined up with the holes flex plate on BOTH sides!

[@ChevyHalfTon]

Good informational video👍🏽

[@lsgemini7686]

You must do this while wearing a Hughes cap! 🤙🏼

[@SIRSKITZ]

Thanks for another awesome vid! My stupid question list gets shorter and shorter every vid you guys put out! 😎👌

[@gekorec]

Thank you for the information

[@Randomgearhead]

I've installed one a 727 and litterly used a 50lb plastic mallet swinging it as hard as I can. Worked fine afterwards

[@RedneckMechanics]

Somehow they didnt teach that to me in school, thanks for that tech tip.

[@harmankardon478]

great stuff thankyou!

[@Darwinpasta]

Thanks for the info! The few times I've had an auto trans separated from an engine I've just sent it and hoped, good to see there's a right way to do it. A guy on a forum I'm on put the flexplate bolts back in the converter for safekeeping, forgot, and bolted the engine and trans together with the bolts still in place. He realized his mistake, took it apart, got the bolts, put it back together and ran it... and found that the starter didn't line up properly. Turned out he'd dished the flexplate. He messed around with shims and tried running it. I don't know if the trans died from the converter running half-engaged or from the force on the pump from bolting it up the first time, but either way, that trans didn't last long. Something to add to the checklist, make sure there's nothing in between that shouldn't be!

[@cammo275]

still waiting to you blokes take a trip to NZ and momentarily change the channel name to the "THE SKUD FUCKTERY" lmfao

[@andrewswinton2059]

They did already....?

[@yowie0889]

"Thus valve cover uz risplundint un wrunkle rid! Sweet as bro! Luts hev an L&P"

[@HotForgeChaos]

They were here last month you chuch

[@cammo275]

@@HotForgeChaos but was the name changed to the skud fuckery lol

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

great video

[@NOMORE-ss9qx]

OMFG I love this channel

[@1080sucks]

How to measure to get the clearance was very helpful.

[@patricklions9066]

Hot dam, someone who knows some shit and can explain it efficiently, outstanding

[@jtp682]

thank you!

[@PaulGerstenberger]

This is extremely timely. I just destroyed a Ford AOD transmission a couple weeks ago when I mated it with a 351W that had a flexplate for a E4OD. I assumed they were the same. I assumed wrong.

[@MrZX1206]

This comment scares me a little. I needed a different flexplate for my 347/4R70 because the balance was different. The flexplate didn't specify what it was for, only the teeth and balance. I guess I'll have to measure it so can sleep.

[@PaulGerstenberger]

@@MrZX1206 AOD to 4R70W should be ok. I think. I'm replacing my busted AOD with one next week.

[@gemini3558]

Paul Gerstenberger , never ass/u/me as it will make ass out of you and me !!!😜👍🇦🇺

[@crezychameau]

Shit, that's too bad the video didn't come earlier to warn you :( I don't know a lot about auto transmission, is it salvageable ?

[@PaulGerstenberger]

@@crezychameau It could probably be rebuilt, but all I wanted was one more road trip this winter. That transmission wouldn't have been good for my long-term power goals anyway, so I am replacing it with a newer and stronger unit sooner than I had planned.

[@millertime610]

Hello! Amazing video! Question: I have a BB Mopar 440 bolting up to a 727. My converter pilot is now bottoming out in the crank 1/16 short of the flexplate. Is it ok for it to bottom out in the crank or does it need play? Trying to figure out how many spacers I need…. Cheers!

[@jimclarke1108]

The torque converter will talk to you very quick if its not installed properly))

[@BS-km9oe]

Will you need to shim the starter out as well so that in engages with the flywheel the same as before?

[@nomadmike2677]

This was a timely video for me.. I am currently pulling a Turbo 350 out of my 84 El Camino for rebuild... So I will be checking to see if the setback may be the problem as something has come apart inside

[@nomadmike2677]

As it turns out I have about 5 mm... I don't know if that's too much or not. I wish I could post pictures, I know how you Aussies love a good ute... Well it's a bit of a nugget but still... lol

[@Turbochargedtwelve]

If it’s an aftermarket converter the manufacturer should be able to give you the acceptable range. If it’s factory a service manual should have the spec.

[@FreedomGinger]

Very helpful. I seen 3 things I did I wasn't supposed to do.

[@Fluzz574]

be excellent to each other!

[@thenewnormal8853]

Party on dude

[@dubCanuck1]

"If you don't know what's inside a torque converter, just install it incorrectly and you will find out within a month" 😂

[@deanking8492]

Hahaha

[@beastoftheeast2146]

I've installed a couple of them on subaru 4eat transmissions

[@madgreek253]

Why do I get the feeling Al wanted to say "Dont be a dumbshit, have a professional fix your car" at the end.

[@billybarrow426]

Does spacing the flywheel out have a big effect on the starter lining up with the teeth on it?

[@ChevTheMechanic]

Was there any issues, distance-wise, with the starter engagement?

[@PrescribedFire]

What about checking side play on the converter drive hub and input shaft? Is the fitment of the input shaft and converter as critical as setback?

[@watsisbuttndo829]

Gotta say its been maaaaaaany sleeps since i did any cleveland/C4 wrangling but that flexplate looks unfamiliar. The step in the outer circumference where the converter bolts up looks a lot deeper than i remember. As you mentioned, havent been supplied the wrong plate have you?

[@huntingthelittlepeople3211]

I fkn love you mate

[@finlay230]

EX Vid lads !

[@VicReinz52]

In had to pull the transmission away from the torque converter when pulling it off the car because the motor was seized. What did I break or have to do different when reassembling?

[@randy1ization]

we installed the 4l60e onto the chevy 4.3 with convertor in place.. with convertor pushed all the way back inside the bellhousing we have around 5/16 th of an inch space between the flywheel and torque convertor. Im going to pry the convertor from against the back of the bellhousing , towards the flex plate until it touches, then take a measurement. how much clearance should I have.. right now I think its way too much. also should I shim behind or in front of the torque convertor to flywheel bolts ? thanks.

[@jamierangi2932]

cheers bloke

[@joshuafelder2701]

Watching this and discovering that I didn't know how to install the torque converter I finished installing 10 minutes ago that then started screaming at me 9 and a half minutes ago. Fun stuff.

[@whe3ls356]

Definitely had to grind material off the snout in the past.

[@Mosesk1988]

Whats the go with towing auto cars? Some people say you should disconnect the tailshaft with towing. I have flat towed mine in Neutral when i blew a tranny line, also when a person fell asleep at the feel that crashed into me it was also towed away in Neutral behind a tow truck would of gone over 100kms an hr because it was on a main hwy. Just curious, i have never had a problem with my gearbox and its a 4l60e. Love ya work boys

[@jaydunbar7538]

It depends on the vehicle, newer vehicles the pump in the transmission is mechanical so it's circulating while moving regardless if the vehicle is on or not. Older vehicles this was not the case so the transmission would be running at full speed with no coolant/lubrication movement. This was standardized around 2002 in the US if I recall correctly.

[@nathantechnician2475]

Thanks for the video, I installed the transmission to the engine while the torque convertor is attached to the engine, now the engine can't turn by hand, I hope no greater damage is caused. Tomorrow am redoing the job. Just hope for the best

[@hairynutz7334]

How did it go?

[@nathantechnician2475]

@@hairynutz7334 thankfully no damage was make to the transmission pump... I restalled it following the correct procedure in this video. The vehicle has been running fine now for awhile.

[@eduardosuarez5617]

What’s the best way to shim torque converter when the gap is too big, mine has 1/2 inch gap between the flex plate and torque

[@fordtough4850]

I Put a converter in a 95 Chevy 4l60e and it went in three clicks and the clearance looks spot on but it’s a little shaky and won’t come back off any ideas?

[@classicstangbrn8964]

Never heard of ever having to do that, but I did encounter one with so much clearance the torque converter studs didn't go through the flexplate even with the transmission bolted up tight.

[@hughmoore810]

The Skid Factor Perhaps you should have a look at the pages of that colouring book from Rudi. Duckman of VW You Tube fame got one from a supporter & it certainly was not for "G" classification.

[@jtp682]

Good morning. I am installing a TH350 and have some experience with installing transmissions. I have a question.... Since the torque converter sags ever so slightly from its own weight when resting in the transmission, prior to bolting to the flexplate,, should you lift it up ever so slightly (take the weight off) as you tighten the first torque converter to flexplate bolt? Or just pull it forward and bolt up without lifting on it?

[@theskidfactory]

There is a spigot in the crankshaft that supports the converter at the engine end.

[@cme2cau]

"We've got the clearance, Clarence." "Roger, Roger, what's the vector, Victor?"

[@manishdurve9125]

God someone how can explain in human language thank you my good sir

[@burntxtoastt]

Is the 3 clicks with all transmissions?? I’m doing a mk4 Jetta rn. And I only have 2 clicks

[@nickg4135]

is the ute gonna be featured on the channel or just an odd job you havent done any filming on?

[@darrencranshaw5779]

Love your stuff. Are the extra 3 welds on the flex plate for balance?

[@hackjobgarage9289]

What about a converter with anti-baloon plate? spacing still 1\8 - 3\16?

[@chuchoelroto1318]

I should have watched this vidoe before I attached my motor to the transmission. I didn't ever take the torque converter out of my trani, but I didn't check to see if it was set in correctly.

[@petelattimer6808]

the rare times ive seen an Auto in the UK and the gearbox has been removed (all factory units, i admit) ive never seen anyone take the torque converter off the flywheel/flexplate. its not correct but ive never seen anyone do it that way, and never seen anyone having issues either. personally i stick with Manual transmissions. far more reliable and easier/cheaper to repair if something DOES fail, especially with all the electronics involved in modern Autos.

[@coreyelliot8509]

And. If you have pulled the pump apart make sure the pump inner gear goes in the same way it come out on the c4 there’s a chamfer on one face of the gear

[@user-ii8pu6xj8x]

Wasn't that flexplate on backwards? I was always taught the tabs are on outside.

[@dieselauthoritymillertime1276]

Awesomeness if you actually use your brain a bit 😂😂😂 I’m now subscribed love your vid mang

[@randy1ization]

Seems like u could just shim behind the converter?

[@S3v3n13tt3r5]

I'd love to see the Skid Factory on Hoonigan's Build and Battle

[@du5t33]

@4:09 "well I did just pull it out so thats probably why" - thats what I always tell her lol

[@jameshanks8608]

Would having the converter pulled out too far cause it to not shift out of 1st gear?

[@karmaofspirit691971]

@6:56 converter has accomplished the 3rd click.

[@billyleath4992]

I have a bother inlaw putting the motor in a 2007 Mustang V6 and I've trying to tell him that he can't just bolt the torque converter to the engine and put it in all at once, he's trying to tell me that the only way to get it in ! I was just wondering if I could anyway be wrong😅

[@bobbybenning6525]

So the flexplate was no good not the torque converter?

[@JordyValentine]

Thanks for teaching people this, you can't just slap one in and call it good, but most people do haha

[@johnhorgan5313]

I was wondering how I could ensure that I had installed the torque converter fully home. I figured that if I put the converter in and turned it half a turn, then removed it. If the oil pump position moved the same amount then it must have been fully home. Obviously before removing it measure the converter clearance against the housing, so as to check when installing finally.

[@johnhorgan5313]

3 clunks was the only way I managed to make it work.

[@twistedtuned4273]

can you take it out with the engine, for example the engine is seized and you have to???

[@JohnAtsu-hz5vz]

After feesing conventer when I fix the state when you start their noses in the car

[@daveb5016]

Why is there no strengthening ring on the flex plate? I had the center sheer out of the center of a flex plate once that had no strengthening ring.

[@mikeymasi]

Wood: "I don't have kids, whaddyatalkinbeet" Al: "not that you know of" 😂😂👊

[@alexcorona]

whale oil beef hooked I once said this during a courtroom jury selection and everyone busted out laughing. It also got me dismissed 😂

[@anthonyspencer3920]

Special laughing chocolate 🍫😁

[@kelli217]

It looked like this was shot at a high frame rate, but the settings panel didn't say anything about 1080p50 or p60. Weird.

[@izzyboss6875]

1:10 ...... G’day gecko 🦎

[@pacora07]

I do not get it. if you remove the transmission and then the torque converter(let say we are doing a rebuilt)after putting the transmission and the torque converter back again, would you not have the same clearance you had before it not that you changed the flex plate or something else. I am not sure about those transmission you guys are working on. I have a 4l60E. and to me it is a very straight forward procedure. remove the tranny, remove the converter, work on your rebuilt and install the tranny with the converter back in the engine. how can you lose clearance there.

[@TheRandog100]

If everything in my 4l65e is stock then why would I need to shim the bolts?