Torque Converter

Complete removal and replacement of the torque converter on a 1992 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10, requiring transmission removal from the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque converter × 1 — Use OEM specification for 8.0L V10 with A-518 transmission
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Torque converter seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust gaskets (if reuse not possible) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ATF+3 automatic transmission fluid — 12 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable.
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners, ensuring adequate working clearance underneath.
4. Remove the transmission pan drain plug if equipped, or loosen pan to drain fluid into appropriate container. Allow transmission to drain completely.
5. Mark the driveshaft and rear differential flange alignment for reinstallation reference.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove exhaust system components
   Disconnect the exhaust system at the manifold flanges. Remove exhaust hangers as necessary to lower the exhaust system enough to provide clearance for transmission removal. The side pipes on the Viper are heavy and may require additional support. You may be able to leave rear sections attached and simply lower the front section for clearance.
2. 2

   Disconnect driveshaft
   Remove the 4 bolts securing the driveshaft to the rear differential flange. Support the driveshaft and slide it rearward to disengage from the transmission output shaft. Use safety wire or zip ties to secure the driveshaft to the undercarriage to keep it out of the way. Inspect the slip yoke seal at the transmission output; if leaking, plan to replace during reassembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines and wiring
   Locate the transmission cooler lines at the right side of the transmission. Place a drain pan underneath and disconnect both cooler lines, allowing remaining fluid to drain. Cap or plug the lines to prevent contamination. Disconnect the overdrive/lockup solenoid connector and neutral safety switch connector as equipped, typically located on the transmission case. Note that the 46RH is a hydraulically governed unit with limited wiring; disconnect all electrical connections present. Disconnect the transmission range sensor connector and any ground straps attached to the transmission bell housing.
4. 4

   Remove transmission crossmember
   Support the transmission securely with a transmission jack, positioning it to balance the weight. Remove the 2 bolts securing the transmission mount to the crossmember. Remove the 4 bolts securing the crossmember to the frame rails and lower the crossmember away from the vehicle. Verify the transmission jack is adequately supporting the transmission weight before proceeding.
5. 5

   Remove starter motor
   Disconnect the electrical connections at the starter motor (main battery cable and solenoid wire). Remove the 2 starter mounting bolts and remove the starter from the bell housing. This provides access to the lower torque converter bolts and inspection of the flexplate.
6. 6

   Access torque converter bolts
   Locate the flexplate access cover on the bottom of the bell housing. Remove the bolts securing this cover (typically 2-3 bolts) and remove the cover. This exposes the flexplate and torque converter bolt locations. Through this opening, you will be able to rotate the engine to access all torque converter mounting bolts.
7. 7

   Mark and remove torque converter bolts
   Using a marker or paint pen, mark the relationship between the torque converter and flexplate for reinstallation alignment. Rotate the crankshaft using a breaker bar and socket on the front crankshaft pulley bolt (clockwise when viewed from front). As each torque converter bolt becomes accessible through the inspection opening, remove it. There are 4 bolts securing the torque converter to the flexplate. Keep these bolts organized as they may have threadlocker applied and should be replaced or cleaned and new threadlocker applied during reinstallation.
8. 8

   Remove bell housing to engine bolts
   Remove all bell housing to engine block mounting bolts. On the Viper V10, verify the exact number of bell housing bolts against the factory service manual (approximately 6-8 of varying lengths around the perimeter of the bell housing). Note the location and length of each bolt as they are not interchangeable. Some bolts may be accessible from above in the cabin area after removing the transmission tunnel cover if equipped. Upper bolts may require extensions and universal joints to access.
9. 9

   Separate transmission from engine
   With all mounting bolts removed and the transmission securely supported on the transmission jack, carefully slide the transmission straight back away from the engine. The transmission must move rearward approximately 2-3 inches to disengage the torque converter from the flexplate and clear the alignment dowels. Ensure the torque converter remains fully seated in the transmission pump during this process. Once clear of the dowels, lower and roll the transmission away from the vehicle. Keep the transmission level to prevent the torque converter from sliding out.
10. 10

    Remove torque converter from transmission
    With the transmission removed from the vehicle and positioned securely, grasp the torque converter firmly and pull it straight out from the transmission front pump. The converter will be heavy and contain several quarts of fluid. Have a drain pan ready to catch fluid. Once removed, drain remaining fluid from the converter into the drain pan. Inspect the converter hub for wear, scoring, or discoloration. Check the flexplate still mounted to the engine for cracks, especially around the bolt holes and center area.
11. 11

    Inspect transmission front pump and seal
    With the torque converter removed, inspect the transmission front pump assembly. Check the pump bushing for wear or scoring. Inspect the pump seal and replace if there are any signs of leakage or damage. Clean the pump face with a clean rag. Verify the pump drive gear rotates freely without binding. If pump damage is evident, further transmission disassembly may be required.
12. 12

    Install new torque converter
    Pre-fill the new torque converter with approximately 1 quart of ATF+ (Mopar 7176) fluid through the center hub. Align the converter hub with the transmission pump and carefully push it into the transmission while rotating it slightly to engage the splines. The converter must fully seat into three distinct positions: first onto the pump drive gear, then onto the input shaft splines, then fully seated against the pump. Measure from the bell housing mounting face to the converter mounting lugs; there should be approximately 1/2 inch of clearance, confirming full engagement. The converter should rotate freely once installed.
13. 13

    Reinstall transmission to engine
    Apply a small amount of high-temperature grease to the transmission input shaft splines. Position the transmission on the transmission jack and carefully align it with the engine. Ensure the torque converter remains fully seated in the transmission pump. Guide the transmission forward, aligning the dowel pins with the transmission case. As the transmission approaches the engine, verify the torque converter hub is entering the crankshaft pilot. Continue pushing the transmission forward until the bell housing is flush against the engine block. Do not use bolts to draw the transmission to the engine; it should slide together with moderate hand pressure once properly aligned.
14. 14

    Install bell housing bolts
    Install all bell housing to engine block mounting bolts, ensuring each bolt is returned to its original location based on length. Hand-tighten all bolts first, then torque in a crisscross pattern. Torque the bell housing-to-engine bolts to approximately 45 ft-lbs in a crisscross pattern; verify exact specification with the factory service manual before final tightening.
15. 15

    Install torque converter to flexplate
    Align the marks made during disassembly between the torque converter and flexplate. Rotate the crankshaft to align the first torque converter bolt hole with the flexplate. Install the first bolt finger-tight. Continue rotating the crankshaft and installing the remaining 3 torque converter bolts. Once all 4 bolts are started, torque them in a crisscross pattern. Torque the torque converter-to-flexplate bolts to approximately 23 ft-lbs in a crisscross pattern; verify exact specification with the factory service manual before final tightening. Apply threadlocker to bolt threads if not pre-applied.
16. 16

    Reinstall remaining components
    Install the flexplate inspection cover with its mounting bolts. Reinstall the starter motor with both mounting bolts and reconnect electrical connections (battery cable and solenoid wire). Install the transmission crossmember to the frame rails and install the transmission mount to the crossmember, torquing all fasteners firmly. Reconnect the driveshaft to the rear differential flange, aligning the marks made during disassembly. Reconnect all transmission cooler lines, electrical connectors, and ground straps. Reinstall exhaust system components and secure with all mounting hardware and hangers.
17. 17

    Fill transmission with fluid
    Install a new transmission filter and pan gasket. Reinstall the transmission pan with all mounting bolts. Pour approximately 8 quarts of ATF+ (Mopar 7176) transmission fluid through the dipstick tube. Start the engine and allow it to idle. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal, shift through all gear ranges, pausing 2-3 seconds in each position. Return to Park and check the fluid level with the engine running and transmission at operating temperature. Add fluid as necessary to bring the level to the full mark. Total system capacity is approximately 12 quarts.

Reassembly

1. Ensure the torque converter is fully seated in the transmission pump before installation, confirmed by approximately 1/2 inch clearance from bell housing face to converter lugs.
2. Align all marks made during disassembly to maintain factory balance.
3. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and all ground straps are reconnected.
4. Double-check that all bell housing bolts are installed in their correct locations based on length.
5. Ensure transmission cooler lines are properly secured and not kinked or damaged.

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no fluid leaks from the transmission, cooler lines, or pan.
• With the engine at idle and parking brake engaged, shift through all gear positions and verify smooth engagement with no unusual noises or vibrations.
• Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature and fluid in the hot range on the dipstick.
• Test drive the vehicle and verify smooth shifts in all gears, with no slipping, shuddering, or delayed engagement.
• After test drive, recheck fluid level and inspect for any leaks at all connection points.
• Verify no exhaust leaks are present at the manifold connections.

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