transmission

Torque Converter

for 2017 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10 · RWD

Difficulty

Expert

Time

7.2 h

Tools

Steps

🔍Draft — verification in progress. This procedure was built from OLP's spec database on September 13, 2026 and is queued for line-by-line review by Chris Hackleman — master technicians with 20+ years each. That review typically completes within 3 days of generation, and this banner changes to a verified badge the moment it does. Until then, cross-check every torque value and fluid capacity against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. If something looks off, report it below — a real person reads every report.

Complete removal and replacement of the torque converter on a 2008 Dodge Viper with 8.4L V10, requiring transmission removal from the vehicle.

Warnings

⚠️Transmission and torque converter combined weight exceeds 200 pounds. Use proper lifting equipment and assistance to prevent catastrophic injury.

⚠️Ensure engine is properly supported before removing transmission crossmember. Engine movement can cause severe injury or damage.

⚠Do not allow torque converter to remain engaged with transmission input shaft during removal. Converter must be held in place or it will fall and cause injury.

⚠Transmission fluid will be hot if vehicle was recently operated. Allow minimum 2 hours cool-down before beginning work.

ℹ️This procedure requires rear differential fluid to be drained if driveshaft is removed. Plan accordingly for fluid replacement.

Tools required

Transmission jack with adapterEssential

Engine support bar or hoistEssential

Torque wrench (ft-lb range)Essential

Torque converter holding toolEssential

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Wrench set (metric)Essential

Pry bar

Dial indicator for crankshaft endplay measurement

Drain pan (minimum 6 quart capacity)Essential

Plastic or rubber mallet

Transmission fluid pumpEssential

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 8.4L V10 application
Transmission front pump seal × 1 — Replace whenever converter is removed
Flexplate bolts (if thread locking compound cannot be cleaned) × 6 — Use OEM specification
Transmission mount bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification
Exhaust flange gaskets × 2 — Replace if disturbed

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Fluids

Mopar ATF+4 — 12 qt

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands at all four corners at sufficient height for transmission removal clearance
Remove belly pan and any underbody panels obstructing transmission access
Mark driveshaft-to-pinion flange orientation with paint or marker for reinstallation alignment
Place drain pan under transmission and drain transmission fluid from pan
Allow engine and transmission to reach ambient temperature if recently operated

Procedure

1
Remove exhaust system components
Disconnect exhaust system at the collector flanges behind the transmission. Remove 4 bolts at each collector flange connection. Support exhaust system and lower or move aside to provide clearance for transmission removal. The Viper side-exit exhaust configuration requires complete removal of the intermediate exhaust sections.
2
Disconnect driveshaft
Remove the 4 driveshaft-to-pinion flange bolts at the rear differential. Slide driveshaft rearward to disengage from transmission output shaft. Support and remove driveshaft from vehicle. Inspect transmission output seal for leakage while exposed.
3
Disconnect transmission electrical connections
Locate and disconnect all electrical connectors from transmission including vehicle speed sensor, transmission range sensor, and solenoid body connector. Release any wiring harness clips or retainers securing harness to transmission case. Move harness aside and secure to prevent damage during removal.
4
Disconnect transmission cooler lines
Identify transmission cooler supply and return lines at transmission case. Use appropriate flare nut wrench to disconnect cooler line fittings. Cap or plug open lines and transmission ports immediately to prevent contamination and fluid loss. Note routing of lines for reinstallation.
5
Support engine assembly
Install engine support bar across engine compartment or attach engine hoist to secure lifting points on engine. Apply slight upward tension to support engine weight but do not lift engine. This support must remain in place throughout transmission removal to prevent engine from shifting when crossmember is removed.
6
Remove transmission crossmember
Support transmission with transmission jack positioned at transmission pan. Remove the 4 transmission mount-to-crossmember bolts. Remove the crossmember-to-frame bolts and lower crossmember from vehicle. Verify engine support is maintaining engine position.
7
Access torque converter bolts
Remove the flexplate inspection cover from the lower bellhousing area. This cover is secured by bolts that must be removed to access the torque converter-to-flexplate attachment. Rotate crankshaft using socket on front crankshaft bolt to bring each torque converter bolt into view through the inspection opening.
8
Remove torque converter to flexplate bolts
Remove all 6 torque converter-to-flexplate bolts while rotating crankshaft to access each bolt. Use care not to drop bolts into bellhousing. Once all bolts are removed, verify torque converter is free from flexplate by attempting to rotate converter independently from crankshaft.
9
Remove transmission-to-engine bolts
Remove all bellhousing-to-engine block bolts. There are multiple bolts of varying lengths around the bellhousing perimeter. Note location and length of each bolt for correct reinstallation. Remove any brackets or ground straps attached to bellhousing bolts.
10
Separate and remove transmission assembly
With transmission jack supporting full weight of transmission, carefully slide transmission straight back away from engine. Maintain torque converter fully seated in transmission by using converter holding tool or by hand pressure. Once input shaft clears bellhousing, angle transmission slightly and lower on jack for removal from under vehicle. Immediately secure torque converter to prevent it from sliding out of transmission during handling.
11
Remove torque converter from transmission
With transmission on workbench or secure surface with front pump facing upward, remove torque converter holding tool. Grasp torque converter and pull straight out from transmission. The converter hub disengages from front pump and the input shaft disengages from the converter turbine. Torque converter contains residual fluid so have drain pan ready. Inspect converter hub for wear, scoring, or damage.
12
Inspect and prepare transmission front pump
With torque converter removed, inspect transmission front pump seal for damage or wear. Replace front pump seal at this time. Inspect pump bushing for scoring or excessive wear. Clean front pump surface and verify pump is properly seated in transmission case. Measure input shaft endplay if converter failure is suspected to verify internal transmission condition.
13
Install new torque converter
Pour approximately 1 quart of clean Mopar ATF+4 into new torque converter before installation. Align converter hub splines with front pump and slide converter into transmission. Rotate converter while applying inward pressure to engage input shaft splines. Converter must seat fully in multiple stages as it engages pump drive, turbine shaft, and stator support. Measure from transmission mounting face to converter pilot nose - dimension should be approximately 1 inch or more indicating full engagement. Use converter holding tool to secure converter during transmission installation.
14
Install transmission to engine
Verify torque converter is fully seated and secured with holding tool. Raise transmission on jack and align with engine block. Rotate torque converter if necessary to align converter pilot with crankshaft. Slide transmission forward carefully, ensuring converter remains fully engaged with transmission. Do not allow transmission weight to hang on input shaft. Install all bellhousing-to-engine bolts in original locations and tighten in star pattern to pull transmission evenly to engine.
15
Install torque converter to flexplate
Rotate crankshaft to align torque converter bolt holes with flexplate holes. Install all 6 converter-to-flexplate bolts and tighten in star pattern. Apply thread locking compound to bolt threads if specified by manufacturer. Remove converter holding tool after all bolts are installed. Install flexplate inspection cover with all bolts.

Reassembly

Install transmission crossmember and torque all mounting bolts to specification
Remove engine support equipment after crossmember is secured
Reconnect transmission cooler lines and torque fittings to prevent leakage
Reconnect all electrical connectors to transmission sensors and solenoid body
Install driveshaft aligning marks made during disassembly and torque pinion flange bolts
Reinstall exhaust system components with new gaskets at collector flanges
Reinstall belly pan and underbody panels
Fill transmission with Mopar ATF+4 fluid through dipstick tube using transmission fluid pump - initial fill approximately 6-7 quarts, then check level with engine running
Reconnect negative battery cable

Verification

With engine running and transmission in Park, check transmission fluid level on dipstick at operating temperature - add fluid as necessary to bring to proper level
Check for transmission fluid leaks at pan, cooler lines, output seal, and front pump seal area
Test drive vehicle and verify smooth engagement in all gear ranges with no slipping, shuddering, or abnormal noise
Verify torque converter lockup operation at highway speed - should engage smoothly without vibration
Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
Inspect exhaust connections for leaks with engine running
Verify no warning lights on instrument cluster related to transmission operation