Studs instead of bellhousing bolts?

[Tony Raine]

So, I keep hearing about it, but how exactly do you do it?

get some all-thread and cut it down, or.........?

what about a lock washer behind the nut?

I think i'm going to do this for all the bellhousing bolts in the brown b2 i want to sell, and my v8 for my rig. Just sounds like it would make things easier.

any help is appreciated!

 

[dennis461]

All thread is too soft.

 

[Tony Raine]

All thread is too soft.

that's what i was thinking too

what about taking a long grade 8 bolt and cutting off the head and non threaded part, and using just the threads?

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

Seems like it would make it a pain to line up the Converter studs on an automatic.I like the giggle room i have with the bolts.

Lining up the splines on the trans to the clutch on a manual would be the same way..........I would think.

 

[Tony Raine]

all my stuff is manual, so no converter issues here

i keep reading in posts about people using studs for the top 2 bellhousing bolts. they say it makes it easier to line everything up.

last weekend i pulled one trans, put another in, and took it back out (long story). before i try trans #3, if there's something that makes it easier, i want to try it

 

[SMTGREG]

(CHEAP)If you are just looking to help alignment of the trans get 2 old bolts cut the heads off and cut a slice for a screw driver for easy removal.
(EXPENSIVE) Larger parts stores have grade 8 studs washers and nuts. Just take an old bolt to get the right size and pitch thread.

 

[John Smith]

this was..common practice for years...

(CHEAP)If you are just looking to help alignment of the trans get 2 old bolts cut the heads off and cut a slice for a screw driver for easy removal..

In fact I'm glad someone brought it up...a good reminder for an upcoming job i have....

Homemade guide pins ...slotted..even better if they're super long....

 

[Viper Command]

and one small problem w/ studs, they wont seal right, the stock washers are really gaskets. that said fluid can come out inbetwine the stud and nut.

 

[chazzone]

and one small problem w/ studs, they wont seal right, the stock washers are really gaskets. that said fluid can come out inbetwine the stud and nut.

What fluid would be coming out of a bell housing?

btw, I've used studs in a lot of applications that originally had bolts, and they tighten more evenly, and never had a leakage issue.

 

[Viper Command]

The a4ld-4r44e use an O ring seal from bell to body around the outside of the bell bolts, trans fluid can leak down the threads because the seal-gasket doesent contact where the bolts are.

 

[fordwheelinman]

not bell housing to body....bell housing to block............READ BEFORE POSTING

 

[chvlfrk]

I bought a piece of 12" all-thread YEARS AGO that I cut down to 2 6" pieces that I use on the bottom 2 bolts to slide a auto trans into place, then I just remove em. Makes it a HOAL easier!

Not sure bout the studs thing, as I have studs for my valve covers and everytime I remove the vc for any reason, I have to tighten em back up as they backout durin removal. Yes, I know I could locktight em, but haven't.