Engine and tranny install

Guys I have a 96 tacoma 4wd with an auto tranny. I’m putting a new motor and transmission in. Question is have any of you connected the transmission to the motor and stuck it in all in one shot??? Looks like it can be done without the transfer case attached.

 

As long as you can get the engine trans high enough to clear the Radiator Support.

Just depends what your lifting with and if your truck is lifted.

I have known people to go so far as take wheels off then you can run into the trans hitting the floor before it is back far enough to drop in place

 

Since I did this as a one man band it was easier (and less destructive) for me to keep the engine/tranny separate. Dropping the motor in wasn't too bad, getting the transmission in without a transmission jack was another. Picked one up from Harbor Freight and it took me only 7 minutes to have the tranny in and bolts in place.

 

I have a buddy that has a device I can change the angle of everything with I’m hoping that helps

 

Which ever approach you use, the black bolt goes first for the torque converter and flex plate.



https://youtu.be/O80aTszV3hc

 

Yep, engine hoist leveler. Those things are awesome and will definitely make it easier for you.

 

So what is the deal with this black bolt how do I know exactly which hole it goes in?? Do I just refer to that picture???

 

I just noticed I have a small crack here on my flywheel. I’m guessing I will need to replace it what do you guys recommend??

 

@BartMaster1234 whatchu think

 

Yeah, what’s up with that?

 

Yeah that crack isn’t good. Get a new flywheel.

 

The black bolt should be the first bolt installed. It doesn't matter which hole. Just so long as its first. It makes setting alignment for the other bolts less error prone. There is a procedure for aligning the flex plate to the torque converter and tightening up the bolts to avoid putting the flex plate in a bind. I've read about an improperly installed flex plate can cause it to bind and crack.

 

When I ordered new torque converter bolts from McGeorge, they noted on the call that I need 5 gold and 1 black bolt -- which is a different part # from the gold.

They said the black bolt should be the first bolt installed. So I researched it and it turned out to be good advice. I was very careful with that installation to do everything by the book. It sure worked out good when everything came together without a hitch.

 

Replace it. I've seen threads where the crack becomes more severe and leads to problems.

 

Ok I’ll get one coming thanks for the help guys.

 

Does it matter which hole it goes in? I understand the logic behind the shoulder lining things up....

 

Doesn't matter which hole. The good practice is to rotate the torque converter or crankshaft while the flex plate is almost touching the torque converter to reduce the chance of binding before bolt up. Then get the bolts started with the black one first. I think I did the final torque up after I knew everything was set. I used paint to mark which bolts had been torqued.

Some good information in this thread.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/torque-converter-installation.536112/page-2

I fill the torque converted with fluid and carefully mount the torque converter first and rotate until it clicks into position where the back rubs against the bell housing. You don't want to damage the pump or seal with a rough TC installation. Be gentle.

Then I use a slim strip of metal that is reachable through the access panel to hold the torque converter in position while installing the engine. Once the engine is mated up with the torque converter, I slide out the metal retainer strip rotate and start the bolt up process.

That's not the best piece of metal in the picture but it worked.

 

I’m really confused on the transmission install I read that thread. I don’t have much experience with transmissions. Do the slots in that torque converter need to go in a certain position or as long as the splines line up your good??????

 

If you doing it on a lift, I’d do it in pieces. Engine from the top and since you already have the tranny and transfer case split. Mount tranny then transfer case. I’ll the time you spend trying wiggle that whole engine/tranny assembly from the top. You will have already been done doing it pieces.

 

As long as the splines line up and the converter clicks into the back position is what matters. See video.

https://youtu.be/ATEm5z2Udpc