94 3000gt, i decided to remove the automatic transmission to replace it with another. I'm down the final steps...the transaxle is out from the engine about 2 inches, however up near the dipstick and the transaxle control cable, it is not clearing the inner wheel well of the car. I have tried twisting and turning it, however the transaxle only turns about 5 degrees either way because the upper housing of the transmission hits against the manifold end of the upper radiator hose (i think thats what that is) where the thermostat would be. It's so close to clearing, but the 1 or 2 inches of the dipstick and transaxle control knob is keeping it from clearing. Also I know there are 4 special bolts (allen key?) down at the bottom near the flywheel and starter. I was thinking maybe removing these would drop the transmission just enough to clear, but I can only get to one. I imagine there is a way to turn the flywheel or something to access the rest, but nothing is able to turn, so i am stuck. So close, yet so far...any help would be appreciated. Maybe there is something i forgot to take off, but i followed the factory manual so...i duno. Also if anyone has any questions about axle/hub removal or unbolting the tranny, id be glad to help/answer any questions, im planning on posting a tutorial once i finish. Thanks.
Its been a long ass time since I removed my ATX, and I ain't sure what allen key bolts you are talkin about, but did you unbolt the torque converter? You gotta stick a 17mm wrench into the peep hole at the bottom of the transmission and undo the 4 torque converter bolts from the flexplate. then push the torque converter into the transmission as far as you can. If the transmission and the torque converter are completely unbolted, that damn thing should be able to just fall out. Maybe take off the dipstick housing to give you more room. Hope this helps.
Yes, you're right, sorry, they are 17mm bolts, when i first looked at them i thought they were allen heads. However i can still only access one through the peephole. Is the flexplate supposed to rotate so that the others come into the peephole? I can't seem to get it to spin with my hands, should i try whacking at it with a rubber hammer or something?
Finally Got IT!! For those wondering, the flywheel and torque converter are one piece. You can turn it with a little leverage on the teeth of the flywheel, just don't ruin the teeth. Take off all 4 special bolts with a 17mm wrench, then make SURE the transmission is level and just put a little leverage on the flywheel assembly and pop it right out.
Well I tried replacing the torque converter and filter and cleaning the valve body to see if that would solve my problem, but it didn't. Now the axles move forward only slightly in N, D, and 2, and don't move at all in Low or Reverse, so im thinking I need at least a rebuild, still debating on whether to do that or to get another one, any suggestions?
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Automatic Transaxle loose, but not free
