flexplate frustrations

[66fleetsidewarrior]

I have a '66 c10 with a 327, two speed powerglide automatic. I am having to tighten some bolts on my flexplate but cannot reach them because the torque converter is in the way. Do I have to drop the transmission to move the torque converter out of the way to reach the bolts or can I simply unbolt the torque converter and access the bolts? I have been hearing both answers and would really prefer not to drop the transmission if I don't have to. Thanks.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I guess you are refering to the bolts that hold the plate to the crankshaft. I have never tightened them that way but if you unbolt the converter it will move back about 1/4 to 1/2 in. You might get a long open end wrench on the bolts.

[66fleetsidewarrior]

How have you done it in the past? Would it be easier than what I am doing?

[padresag]

why would they be loose?. get a trans jack and move it back(trans ) a few inches so that you can get a torque wrench in there so that you do not have the problem again. do it properly. sometimes ther are just not any short cuts
ron

[MARTYZ]

If your flex plate is loose , my advise would be to pull transmission back and remove and inspect the plate for damage, if it is damaged you will never keep it tight ! I have never heard of tightening without removing trans.

[Captainfab]

I agree.....

Originally Posted by MARTYZ

If your flex plate is loose , my advise would be to pull transmission back and remove and inspect the plate for damage, if it is damaged you will never keep it tight ! I have never heard of tightening without removing trans.

[DesertCat]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I agree.....

And I agree as well. If my flywheel bolts were becoming loose, I would want to find out why and address that problem. Further, those bolts probably should be inspected now and this time I would use some Locktite and torque them just for my own piece of mind.

Better to do a little more now than break down in a bad place and time.