ChristopherWelkin

So I'm replacing the transmission cooler lines on my 97 Firebird due to one of the hard lines being bent and developing a small leak. It's in a bad spot (close to the transmission itself) so just cutting the part off and putting a piece of hose in it's place isn't an option.

Would I have to drop the transmission to get to the hard line connectors? Peeking up at the transmission from the bottom of the car, it seems like a really tight fit, and I'm not too sure if I'll have enough room to get a wrench in there and get it off. I know a lot of you have replaced these with braided hose lines and I'm leaning towards doing the same, but I don't want to tackle this project if I'm going to have to drop the trans

Also, the connectors that screw the hard lines into the trans case are 3/8" NPT right?


Thanks for any help, and all comments are welcome!

klinznilk

iTrader: (8)

No you don't have to drop to get to them. I was able to get mine out and actually replaced them with some -6an fittings to run an external cooler all without removing the transmission. You will however most likely need to lower the cross member of transmission to give yourself a little more room. I had to have a buddy with girl like hands get up in there to at least get old ones removed and new ones started before i was able to let the wrench take over.

mrvedit

NO the treads are not NPT. They are straight threads that require a sealing washer or o-ring.
An NPT will thread in, but if tightened too far (e.g. to stop leaking) will crack the case.

clinebarger

All 4L60E cases take 1/4" NPSM (National Pipe Straight Mechanical) Fittings. There is an exception....Around 2008 GM changed over to Metric threads.

ChristopherWelkin

That's good to know that I won't have to drop it. Now to find someone with "girl like hands"

ChristopherWelkin

Ahh gotcha, makes sense that a taper wouldn't be smart to put in there. Must've sucked for anyone who learned that the hard way!

ChristopherWelkin

Thanks man. So if I wanted to do AN fittings/braided lines I'd need a 1/4" NPSM to -6AN adapter? Who even sells those, summit?

mrvedit

Not sure of the Summit part numbers but easy to find on ebay if you search for "4l60e 6AN fittings".