transmission
Transmission R&R - Automatic
for 1970 AMC Rebel Machine 390ci V8 · RWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
8.0 h
Tools
14
Steps
11
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
Complete removal and reinstallation of the automatic transmission from a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine with 390ci V8 engine, including disconnection of all related components and driveline.
Warnings
⚠️Transmission weighs approximately 150-175 lbs. Use proper transmission jack and ensure secure support before loosening mounting bolts. Falling transmission can cause severe injury or death.
⚠️Vehicle must be securely supported on jack stands rated for the weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
⚠Transmission fluid will drain when pan is removed and torque converter is separated. Have large drain pans ready and expect 10-12 quarts of fluid spillage.
⚠Torque converter can slide out of transmission when tilted. Use a C-clamp or safety wire to retain converter during removal to prevent damage to front pump seal.
ℹ️Mark all linkages, vacuum lines, and electrical connections before disconnection for proper reassembly.
Tools required
Transmission jackEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Socket set (SAE, 1/4" through 3/4")Essential
Wrench set (SAE)Essential
Torque wrenchEssential
Drain pan (large capacity)Essential
Converter holding tool or C-clampEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Torque converter seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission rear seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission mounting bolts (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Driveshaft U-joint straps/bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission fluid × 1 — Dexron ATF or equivalent
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Fluids
- Automatic transmission fluid (Dexron or equivalent) — 12 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
- Disconnect negative battery cable
- Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands under frame rails, providing adequate working clearance
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Allow engine and transmission to cool completely if recently operated
- Mark driveshaft-to-differential flange relationship with paint for proper reinstallation alignment
- Have large drain pans positioned under transmission pan and torque converter area
Procedure
- 1Drain transmission fluid and remove panPlace drain pan under transmission pan. Remove all pan bolts except two at the rear corners. Loosen rear bolts and carefully pry pan down at front to drain fluid. Once drained, remove remaining bolts and pan. Remove filter if accessible from pan opening. Clean pan gasket surfaces.
- 2Disconnect driveshaftRemove the four U-bolt or strap bolts securing rear universal joint to differential pinion flange. Support driveshaft and slide rearward to disengage slip yoke from transmission output shaft. Remove driveshaft from under vehicle. Inspect output shaft seal and replace if leaking.
- 3Disconnect shift linkage and throttle valve cableAt transmission, disconnect shift linkage rod from transmission lever by removing retaining clip and clevis pin. On BorgWarner automatic, disconnect throttle valve (TV) linkage at transmission bellcrank. Mark linkage positions before removal for proper adjustment during reinstallation.
- 4Disconnect cooler lines and electrical connectionsUsing appropriate line wrench, disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission fittings. Cap or plug lines and transmission ports to prevent contamination. Disconnect neutral safety switch electrical connector and any other electrical connections to transmission-mounted components. Label all connections.
- 5Remove torque converter access cover and mark converterRemove the inspection cover from bottom of bellhousing to access torque converter. Mark relationship between flexplate and converter with paint for balanced reassembly. Rotate engine via crankshaft bolt to access all torque converter-to-flexplate bolts (typically 3 or 4 bolts).
- 6Remove torque converter mounting boltsRemove all torque converter-to-flexplate mounting bolts while rotating engine to access each bolt through inspection opening. After all bolts are removed, push torque converter back toward transmission to ensure it's free from flexplate. Install C-clamp or safety wire across bellhousing to retain converter in transmission during removal.
- 7Support engine and transmissionPosition floor jack with wood block under engine oil pan to support engine weight. Do not place excessive pressure on oil pan. Position transmission jack under transmission pan with safety chains. Adjust jack to just contact transmission and take up slight weight but do not lift.
- 8Remove transmission crossmemberRemove transmission mount-to-crossmember fasteners. Remove crossmember-to-frame bolts on both sides. Carefully lower transmission jack slightly to relieve tension, then remove crossmember from vehicle. Inspect transmission mount for damage or deterioration.
- 9Remove bellhousing-to-engine boltsRemove all bellhousing-to-engine block mounting bolts. On 390ci V8, there are typically 4-6 bolts around bellhousing perimeter. Upper bolts may require extensions and universal joints for access. Ensure all bolts are removed before attempting to separate transmission.
- 10Separate and remove transmissionWith assistant or secure transmission jack positioning, carefully slide transmission rearward, keeping it level to prevent torque converter from falling out. Move straight back approximately 6-8 inches until input shaft clears engine block. Once clear, carefully lower transmission jack and roll transmission out from under vehicle. Verify torque converter remained in bellhousing during removal.
- 11Inspect and prepare for installationInspect flexplate for cracks or damage, especially around mounting bolt holes. Check crankshaft rear seal for leaks. Inspect torque converter for damage, fluid leakage, or contamination. Verify torque converter is fully seated in transmission by measuring depth from bellhousing mating surface to converter mounting ears - should be approximately 1/2 inch recessed. Install new front pump seal if needed.
Reassembly
- Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transmission pump before installation - verify by checking depth measurement
- Apply small amount of high-temperature grease to torque converter pilot hub and input shaft splines
- Align marks made on torque converter and flexplate during removal for balanced operation
- Install all bellhousing-to-engine bolts and tighten in star pattern before fully torquing
- Verify shift linkage and throttle valve linkage adjustments per factory specifications after installation
- Refill transmission with proper quantity and type of fluid through dipstick tube
- Check fluid level with engine running at operating temperature in park position
Verification
- Start engine and verify no fluid leaks at pan, cooler lines, or output shaft seal
- With parking brake applied, verify transmission engages properly in all gear ranges
- Test drive vehicle to verify smooth shifting and proper transmission operation through all gears
- Recheck fluid level after test drive with transmission at operating temperature
- Verify neutral safety switch functions properly - engine should only start in Park and Neutral
- Inspect underneath vehicle for any leaks or loose components after test drive
- Verify no abnormal noises or vibrations from transmission or driveline