A4LD install

[toolman60]

Anyone on the forum that can confirm or deny this. Does the A4LD torque converter studs have to engage the flexplate holes so the transmission will fit flush to block. Tried today to get new trans installed and could not get the trans bellhousing to mate to back of block. It lacked about a 1/2 inch of mating. Lowered trans back down and double checked to be sure TC was fully seated in pump. The only thing did not try was to line up the studs to flexplate holes. My help had to go home for the day. May try again Sunday or Monday. Just wanted to check on forum for conformation.

 

[RobbieD]

It's been a LONG time since I installed an A4LD, but it seems like you do have to line the studs up with the holes.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Yup, line up the studs to get it to seat. It can be a pain. Done it more times than I’d like to admit and there’s more in my future, lol.

 

[toolman60]

This will be a first for me where you have to do it this way. I guess thru starter hole will be easier than the little peek plate they give on passenger side of backing plate. All the auto's I have ever done just seat the converter mount tranny and then rotate TC to line up on stud and then slide converter towards engine ,get all the nuts on then torque them down.

Last time I swapped a tranny was 30 years ago been a long time.

 

[RobbieD]

Definitely work through the starter hole. You can use a pry bar on the flex plate teeth to turn the crank, too, when installing and then tightening the nuts.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

If I have someone to help, I put a big socket and ratchet on the crank (pulling the belt off the accessories and some/all spark plugs makes it easier to turn). Have one person slowly turn the motor over while I line things up. Makes it a lot easier.

 

[toolman60]

Got the tranny bolted up yesterday afternoon. Lined the torque converter studs up with flex plate holes, tranny fell into place like a glove.