Tc nuts on an 03 5r

swinky · Dec 3, 2013

Alright guys these things are driving me nuts (I know I'm funny) but seriously I'm replacing the trans on my 03 and the tc nuts are a freaking pain. They just don't line up with the inspection cover. Is anybody using a special tool. The freakin inspection cover is soo damn small.

Extended Power · Dec 3, 2013

On the drivers side of the engine block, there is a window plugged with a black rubber plug.
Pull that out.
Using an 18mm wrench, or 1/2" drive socket with an 18mm socket, spin the engine over till you can see one of the nuts through the inspection window mentioned above.

Then, use 3 one foot long 3/8" extensions, with the correct socket on the end of it, to reach back and loosen off the torque converter nuts one at a time.

I put chewed up gum, or thick grease inside the socket so the nut does not fall out when it's all the way off.

swinky · Dec 3, 2013

Lifesaver award goes to you! Thanks man.

Extended Power · Dec 4, 2013

Thanks....I've "been there, done that..." A few time when pulling the engine out.

swinky · Dec 4, 2013

Did you put any type of loctite on the tc nuts?

Extended Power · Dec 4, 2013

Yup...RED.

I just had my transmission rebuilt before the truck was put away for the winter...

By the time I got back from Edmonton, which is where it was rebuilt, the nuts had come loose, and destroyed the torque converter and flex plate.

The shop was good about it, they paid another shop to R&R the transmission, 50% of the new billet flexplate, 100% of the balancing of the new flexplate, and supplied another brand new triple disk converter.

Lesson to be learned: Tighten 'em up so they can hold the power you make.

****And use NEW torque converter nuts EVERYTIME you take them off...see above for possible outcome if not replaced.**** (The shop did use new nuts...they just weren't torqued up enough to hold.)