Before installing a remanufactured converter, check that the converter pilot fits into the end of the crankshaft without binding. On some converters, you may need to use some sandpaper to remove the paint from the pilot and lube the pilot to ensure it moves freely in and out of the crankshaft. The pilot is used to support the weight of the converter and keep the front of the torque converter aligned with the center of the crankshaft.

Some engines and converters use a ring gear or sleeve between the torque converter pilot and the inside of the crankshaft that may have been stuck to the old converter. Always check that the pilot is not loose in the end of the crankshaft. A loose fit would indicate a missing sleeve or ring. Without this ring to center the pilot in the end of the crankshaft, the converter will not be spinning on the centerline of the crankshaft, causing vibrations at the least. Flex plate damage, pump damage or front seal leaks are possible too.

If your torque converter-to-flex plate fasteners are bolts, thread the bolts into the converter to be certain that the threads are not damaged and the bolt is not too long. The head of the bolt should touch the pad when finger tight. The bolts may have to be shortened on a grinder if too long. During the rebuilding process of the torque converter, the pads that the bolts thread into are sometimes cut down to true up the converter. This process allows for less thread depth for the bolt, causing the bolts to push into the front cover and make a dimple in the metal when tightened. The dimple will tear up the flywheel and clutch lining inside the torque converter. If your torque converter-to-flex plate fasteners are nuts, test them on the new converter, too. It’s a lot easier to fix a thread problem with the torque converter out of the car.

Before jacking the transmission into place, take a moment to make sure that the wires and linkage are organized. The wires should be routed close to where they will be eventually connected, but away from the bell housing- to-engine mating surface. Make sure that the linkage is in a place where it will not impede the transmission installation. You don’t need the transmission flipped off the jack or bent linkage.