Mating the 3.0L Engine and Transmission

[Sharky146]

Did you try cursing at it?

Yes, extensively.

 

[Sharky146]

Turn it around

I’ll measure the direct shaft to verify, but I bet you’re right. I bet it’s sticking out too far.

Almost looks like the direct shaft is out too far.


One of the converters has a longer snout. The chamfers on the gear are facing you right?

I actually have both types of converters. One with a longer snout than the other. When I pulled the “new” engine, I took home the torque converter which was still attached to the flywheel. I’ve tried both converters, but still no luck. However, the hole on the flywheel (where the snout goes) is deep enough that it should accommodate either converter.

I’m not sure I understand what you mean when you asked if the chamfers are facing me. Do you mean the “teeth” inside the torque converter? If so, I can see two sets of teeth, which look like the would accept the two shafts in the tranny.

 

[Sharky146]

Yup... it should only stick out about 1”.
View attachment 42154

Any way to fix this myself? Or is this a job for the transmission shop?

 

[Sharky146]

I found this on an Explorer forum. It seems that folks were wrestling with the same problem. The pulled out, then reinstalled the center shaft, which caused it to reseat itself in the proper position. I guess I’ll try it this morning. Your thoughts?

“For anyone else reading this post for a solution, it's super easy. Put vice grips on center shaft and pull it out. You may tap vice grips with hammer to free it. Then put it back in. The oil left in keeps it from returning to it's seat. Put in and turn until it drops in place so only splines are showing. A lot of trouble for a simple solution.“

 

[bobbywalter]

The chamfers are on the actual pump gear inside the pump on the transmission. Look in there, the flat spots on the converter drive it.

It's possible the shaft just slid out a little from taking the converter off and there is nothing wrong with it. It just drives the direct drum. I usually fly cut them on some applications that can bottom out with spline wear to keep lube starving at Bay. I don't remember if it was an issue with this unit.

 

[bobbywalter]

You did verify that the current converter fits on this engine I assume.

When you do slide the trans up flush, make sure there is at least a 16th or so of end play when you grab the converter stud.

 

[Sharky146]

Go

The chamfers are on the actual pump gear inside the pump on the transmission. Look in there, the flat spots on the converter drive it.

It's possible the shaft just slid out a little from taking the converter off and there is nothing wrong with it. It just drives the direct drum. I usually fly cut them on some applications that can bottom out with spline wear to keep lube starving at Bay. I don't remember if it was an issue with this unit.

Ok, gotcha. Yes, I can see the chamfers (flat spots) on the pump gear, which look like they would mate up to the flat spots on the TC. The chamfers are oriented at roughly 12 and 6 o’clock in relation to the bell housing. I’ve tried to closely match up the TC with the chamfers. Even marked the TC with a sharpie to help with alignment, but still no luck.

You lost me a little when you mentioned the center shaft. I don’t know what “fly cut” means. Perhaps that’s a step in the rebuild process?

Do you think it would be ok for me to try to pull out, and reseat the center shaft using the vice grips method described above?

 

[bobbywalter]

Shouldn't need vice grips.

The direct drive shaft should pull out.

When looking at the pump gear make sure there is not a 90 degree edge, though on second thought....these tend to be square cut.

 

[Sharky146]

Shouldn't need vice grips.

The direct drive shaft should pull out.

When looking at the pump gear make sure there is not a 90 degree edge, though on second thought....these tend to be square cut.

Ok, will do. Thank you.

 

[Sharky146]

You did verify that the current converter fits on this engine I assume.

When you do slide the trans up flush, make sure there is at least a 16th or so of end play when you grab the converter stud.

Yes, I fit checked both of the converters I have, and they do fit the flywheel.

 

[bobbywalter]

 

[bobbywalter]

Watching your video it looks like it is in the correct orientation....the long splines go in the converter side. You just need to rotate it into the splines and push it home into the clutch hub in the trans.

 

[Sharky146]

Ok, I verified that the center shaft is sticking out about 1 3/4”, which sound like is too far.

I tried to pull the center shaft out, but no luck. For what it’s worth, it seems that the center shaft is still engaging the rest of the tranny because when I turn it, the output shaft at the back of the tranny turns as well.

I did another video to show what I tried to do.

 

[bobbywalter]

Hmmm 55 may be hubbed. There's some changes in the stack and planets bit not memberin....

Or it's crushed...doh.

 

[bobbywalter]

Pinion count iirc...it's jammed. Pull with pliers and tap