brian r

iTrader: (14)

I have a 1998 Trans Am and am putting a Yank SS3600 convertor in it. I pushed the torque convertor all the way on and measured with a straight edge from bell housing to torque convertor pad was about 1 1/8 which I guess is perfect but after bolting up the trans I can slide a 3/16 drill bit easily between the torque convertor pad and flexplate. When I put a 1/4 in it is very tight and wont even slide in. So I am guessing because the 3/16 bit slides WAY to easy i need a shim between the 3 pads and flex plate. Dave at Yank says the ideal gap is 1/8 inch. so I am guessing if I put a 1/8 in spacer in ther it will close my gap between 3/32 to 1/8 in correct?

First ? is there a better way to measure I guess I am just paranoid.

2 ? is do you install a standard 1/8 in thick washer from ace hardware or is there something better to ensure they are i dentical?

First torque convertor install and it was a bit of a bitch but not bad!

brian r

iTrader: (14)

also what shims from summit (meizier) are needed here are there options

0.125 in.
0.250 in.
0.187 in.

I am guessing the 0.125 will take up a 1/8 in space leaving me 1/8 in clearence? also they have 2 different hole sizes 7/16 ir 1/2 which would I use for stock bolts. I am re using the stock bolts because the new ones are to short and Dave at yank says the stock long ones will work fine. thanks guys all the help is great!

kevin87turbot

iTrader: (2)

It sounds as if there is a little over 3/16" gap there. I would use a 1/16" shim. That will get you close to 1/8". You can use a stamped washer, but it's important that all three washers measure the same thickness. I always measure them with my calipers and ensure that they are within 0.001" of each other.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

The math in this thread is amazing. Op I would recommend the .125 shim. That would put your clearance at 1/16th which is about the tightest allowable. For bolts I would use a judgement call on them. You want maximum thread engagement or at minimum 1.5 times the width of the bolt. You do not want to bottom the bolts out before they clamp since they are fixed depth holes as opposed to through holes.

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

This is what im doing. 1/16 would be good to use.

OP, it sounds like you have about the same gap as I do right now. My 3/16 bit fits up there and does wiggle a LITTLE bit. Ill be going to get some washers and going to examine my bolts that are in there. Thats after I take them out of course LOL!

brian r

iTrader: (14)

So basically everyone is using standard ase washers from a hardware store without problem? I was going to order the Meiziers torque convertor spacer kit but its like $32 for 3 1/8 in washers

Macs98Z

iTrader: (16)

I did a torque converter a couple weeks ago. I didn't need shims, but before I did everything I researched shimming it in case I would have to. From what I read and asked others, everyone told me standard flat washers from the hardware store will be fine. Like someone else said, however, make sure they all measure the same thickness, and they are FLAT--not slightly beveled in the least. Hope this helps.

brian r

iTrader: (14)

Might be a stupid ? But how the hell are you guys getting standard sae washers that are all the exact same I went to ace today and to me everydamn one looked the exact same. Thanks again

senicalj4579

iTrader: (41)

I used some washers I had on the jobsite over the past 10 years to hang ductwork and such. 1/16 thick and they did the trick

Rhino79

iTrader: (7)

I used some stainless washers from work, I run a marine service dept and I have plenty to pick from. I was also well over 3/16 on my converter. I ended up having to stack 2 washers per bolt.