Tips for installing transmission?

I just got done reinstalling my 727 last saturday.....only the SECOND time I have ever installed a tranny.

Couple tips I got from various locations on the web, all which helped a great deal:

-- Buy a jack -- get the better one at Harbor Freight that has tilt adjustments. This jack allowed me to do the job by myself, with few issues.

-- get the front end of the car up as high as you can go....on jack, you will need a couple feet clearance to roll teh tranny out...put the back of the car up on stands too, to even out the car a bit.

--easier to remove/install the tranny with no headers/exhaust installed, but it can be done. The first install was without headers/exhaust.....the removal and reinstall was with both....and thats where the tilt adjustments come into play big time.

-- use a small c clamp to hold the torque converter inplace as you move the tranny around....

-- lay the flex plate in the torque converter while off the car, line up the bolt holes properly and mark the relationship clearly. This will make a huge difference in the install.

-- clean out the hole in the crankshaft and grease with wheel bearing grease.

-- when mounting the flex plate be sure its 100% seated right.

-- use locktight on the flex plate and torque converter bolts.

-- be sure you have BOTH dowel pins installed in the block before bolting up the tranny.

-- pour about a half a quart of fluid into the torque converter if new and empty.

-- once the tranny is bolted in, you should have to pull the converter to the flex plate just a bit....I had a gap of 3/16" between the pads on the converter and the flexplate ears. The converter should turn freely. Line up the marks made previously and start bolting.

No sealants or anything between the tranny and engine.....you arent sealing anything there.

Good luck! If I could do it TWICE, anyone can. LOL

Its a real feeling of accomplishment when you fire her up and she MOVES! LOL