torque converter indexing?

[2000Blazer4x4]

So I am replaceing the tranny in my 2000 blazer and on the new trans (used- 105k) I picked up it has a tag that says i need to "index the torque converter completely before installation". How is this done? The torque converter is only attached by 3 bolts so I really only see 3 different ways it can go back on in the trans... what am I missing here

[krly79]

hmm... I've never seen a tag that says that, but I know you have to push the torque converter onto the input shaft all the way, then turn it until slides on more, then turn it more until it slides on more. Not sure if that's what they mean by indexing, but it could be.

[2000Blazer4x4]

Well that seems easy enough - especially since I need to spin it a few times anyways in order to gain access to the 3 bolt hole locations.

[SickSpeedMonte]

That's the only thing I've ever heard of too. Spin it before you even put it under the truck, imagine how frustrating it would be to get it up there and the bellhousing wont meet the block. Just push and spin it until its seated all the way, and then throw it in there.

Im about to do the same thing, was planning on starting today but it doesnt look like the weather will cooperate.

[S15vortecpwr]

if the convertor is not seated completely int to frt pump, when you crank teh eng it will DESTROY the input shaft and pump. been there done that

[BlazingSaddle]

The converter ought to be installed with tranny facing up and dropping it in, then turnng it. It ought to drop down and catch the front pump as it drops down one notch. You need to be sure it drops down as far as it will go by turning it by hand. Some experience more than one drop, I beleive it just catches sometimes and doesnt drop the right way the first time. So be careful and get it down all the way. Note how far in it is from edge of bellhousing and remmber this for future reference caus it might slip back out.

You will probably lose/tip, the converter back out toward the front if you have my luck. The trick is to know how far down it went the first time. know what it felt like and get it back there while working to raise the tranny.

The engine bolts should not tighten right if the converter is not properly seated, but anything can be forced. If you have to force the engine bolts, you will mess things up.

[Deeze49686]

actually, there are 3 things that must line up to get the convertor in. the input shaft splines, the stator tube splines, and the pump gear slots. technically you will feel 2 clunks, but if you move the convertor back and forth in a rotational way, you can feel about an eighth of an inch slop in the gear tangs. now, as far as indexing the convertor to the flexplate, there are 3 holes, but if you look closely at them, one of these will look like a double d, exactly like a steering shaft. this is the starter and alignment hole you use for the initial convertor bolt. you tighten this one up first after ALL the bellhousing bolts have been tightened. failure to tighten the bell bolts before this step will cause early pump bushing failure, and weird noises.