transmission
Torque Converter
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
12
Steps
15
✓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.
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the torque converter in a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine with 390ci V8, requiring transmission removal for access.
Warnings
⚠️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 may be hot if vehicle was recently driven. Allow adequate cooling time.
⚠Torque converter holds significant fluid and is heavy (30-40 lbs when full). Keep level during removal to prevent fluid spillage.
ℹ️Mark all driveline components before disassembly to ensure proper alignment during reassembly and prevent driveshaft vibration.
⚠The torque converter is NOT bolted to the transmission and can fall out during removal. Secure it before lowering transmission.
Tools required
Transmission jackEssential
Wrench set (SAE)Essential
Torque wrenchEssential
C-clamp or flexplate holding toolEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Torque converter × 1 — Use OEM specification for TorqueFlite 998/727 transmission
- Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Flexplate to torque converter bolts × 1 — Replace if damaged or stretched
- Transmission fluid (ATF) × 1 — DEXRON or Type A compatible
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 Type A compatible) — 12 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
- Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
- Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame or recommended lift points
- Remove transmission fluid dipstick to vent transmission during draining
- Allow engine and transmission to cool completely if recently operated
Procedure
- 1Drain transmission fluidPosition large drain pan under transmission pan. Remove transmission pan bolts and carefully lower pan, allowing fluid to drain completely. Remove and discard old filter and gasket. Wipe pan clean and set aside.
- 2Mark and remove driveshaftMark the relationship between rear driveshaft yoke and differential pinion flange with paint pen for reassembly alignment. Remove the four U-joint strap bolts at rear axle. Slide driveshaft rearward to disengage from transmission output shaft. Support and remove driveshaft completely. Plug transmission tailshaft opening with clean rag to prevent fluid loss.
- 3Disconnect transmission linkage and cooler linesDisconnect transmission shift linkage at transmission lever. Disconnect throttle valve linkage or kickdown linkage at transmission. Place drain pan under cooler lines and disconnect both transmission cooler lines at transmission fittings. Cap or plug lines to prevent contamination and further fluid loss.
- 4Disconnect electrical connections and speedometer cableDisconnect neutral safety switch connector on driver side of transmission. Disconnect backup light switch if equipped. Remove speedometer cable retaining clip and carefully pull cable from transmission housing.
- 5Access flexplate to torque converter boltsRemove lower bellhousing dust cover or inspection plate to access torque converter-to-flexplate bolts. Rotate engine crankshaft using large socket on front harmonic balancer bolt to bring each of the three or four torque converter bolts into view through access opening.
- 6Remove torque converter to flexplate boltsUsing C-clamp or holding tool to prevent flexplate rotation, remove all torque converter to flexplate bolts. Rotate crankshaft as needed to access each bolt. Mark orientation of torque converter to flexplate if reusing converter. Push torque converter back toward transmission to disengage from flexplate.
- 7Support transmission and remove crossmemberPosition transmission jack securely under transmission oil pan with wood block to distribute load. Raise jack slightly to support transmission weight. Remove transmission crossmember mounting bolts at frame. Remove crossmember completely.
- 8Remove bellhousing to engine boltsRemove all bellhousing to engine block mounting bolts. There are typically six bolts around the perimeter of the bellhousing. Note location of any brackets or ground straps attached to these bolts for proper reinstallation.
- 9Remove transmission assemblyVerify torque converter is pushed fully rearward into transmission pump. Secure torque converter to transmission with holding strap or wire through bellhousing to prevent it from sliding out during removal. Carefully pull transmission straight back away from engine, keeping it level. Lower transmission on jack and move clear of vehicle.
- 10Remove old torque converterRemove holding strap or wire. Carefully pull torque converter straight out of transmission front pump. Keep converter level and drain remaining fluid into pan. Inspect flexplate for cracks, heat damage, or damaged ring gear teeth. Inspect transmission front pump seal and bushing for wear.
- 11Install new torque converterPour approximately 1 quart of fresh ATF into new torque converter before installation. Align torque converter drive lugs with transmission pump inner gear. Install converter while rotating slightly to engage pump drive. Push converter in fully until it seats with audible click and sits approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch recessed from bellhousing face. Verify converter rotates freely and is fully engaged with pump and input shaft splines.
- 12Reinstall transmissionSecure torque converter to transmission with holding strap to prevent sliding forward. Raise transmission into position with transmission jack. Align transmission input shaft with crankshaft pilot bearing. Carefully push transmission forward, keeping it level and aligned. Transmission should slide fully forward to engine block without forcing. If resistance is met, lower slightly and recheck alignment.
- 13Install bellhousing bolts and crossmemberInstall all bellhousing to engine block bolts with any brackets or ground straps in original positions. Tighten bolts in star pattern to manufacturer specifications. Install transmission crossmember and mounting bolts. Lower transmission onto crossmember mounts and install mount bolts. Remove transmission jack once transmission is fully supported.
- 14Install torque converter to flexplate boltsRemove torque converter holding strap. Rotate crankshaft to align torque converter bolt holes with flexplate. Install all torque converter to flexplate bolts finger tight first. Using flexplate holding tool, tighten bolts evenly in star pattern to manufacturer specifications (typically 25-30 ft-lbs). Verify converter rotates freely after bolt installation. Install bellhousing dust cover or inspection plate.
- 15Reconnect all components and refill transmissionInstall new transmission filter and gasket. Install transmission pan with new gasket and tighten bolts evenly in criss-cross pattern. Align and install driveshaft matching marks made during removal. Tighten U-joint strap bolts. Reconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission. Reconnect shift linkage, throttle linkage, speedometer cable, and all electrical connections. Reconnect negative battery cable. Fill transmission with recommended ATF through dipstick tube to proper level on dipstick cold mark.
Reassembly
- Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification where values are available
- Verify all electrical connections, cooler lines, and linkages are properly reconnected
- Double-check that driveshaft is installed with alignment marks matched to prevent vibration
- Confirm transmission is filled to proper level before initial startup
Verification
- Start engine and verify no fluid leaks at transmission pan, cooler lines, or bellhousing
- With parking brake applied and foot on brake pedal, shift through all gear ranges and verify smooth engagement
- Allow engine to reach operating temperature and recheck transmission fluid level with engine running, adding fluid as needed to bring to hot full mark
- Road test vehicle through all gears and verify proper shift points and torque converter lockup if equipped
- Recheck fluid level after road test and inspect for any new leaks underneath vehicle
- Verify no unusual noises or vibrations during operation