Torque Converter Question

[The Yellow Dart]

How hard is it to put in a torque converter on an 83 2WD wagon? I have reasonably good mechanical skills but I have never pulled an engine. Will pulling the engine be necessary? Maybe I just have a mental block about pulling an engine, it seems like too many things can go wrong. How many misc parts (i.e. gaskets) will I have to buy if I disconnect the engine and tranny? Any advice that you can provide will be truly appreciated.

[NorthWet]

How hard is it to put in a torque converter on an 83 2WD wagon? I have reasonably good mechanical skills but I have never pulled an engine. Will pulling the engine be necessary? Maybe I just have a mental block about pulling an engine, it seems like too many things can go wrong. How many misc parts (i.e. gaskets) will I have to buy if I disconnect the engine and tranny? Any advice that you can provide will be truly appreciated.

Just face your fear and move beyond it!!! On my 4WD stuff I wouldn't even think of trying to pull the tranny... again... did it once, that was enough! lol Well, twice... had to replace a tranny once.

 

The engine is pretty easy to pull , gets easier each time you do it, so pretty soon your willing to pull it to do something that really doesn't require it.

 

A/C compressor and P/S pump complicate it a little... have to leave the A/C hoses attached and just unbolt the compressor and move aside; P/S pump just undo the hard lines at the pump.

 

If you don't have these, then simple stuff. Can't think of any gaskets needed except maybe exhaust (been awhile since I did anything except twagons...). Just make sure you unbolt torque converter from flexplate before you start separating engine/tranny.

 

BTW: Why do you think you need to replace your t-con?

[The Yellow Dart]

I haven't really driven the car much since I bought it. I bought it for $200 because it had some problems. We have replaced the passenger CV joint and driveshaft, and put a new head gasket on it. After that at least it would drive. It idles pretty good and has as much power as I'd expect it to with 217k miles and only 4 cylinders. But when I put it in gear it kicks like a mule, it seems like it's worce when it's cold. Also, when slowing it lugs down and stalls out if I try to put the brakes on and stop when it is in gear. To be stopped is to be in neutral or park. It does also have a tendency to stall at parking lot speeds. I don't know what else it could be. Any suggestions would be helpful.