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George Hiatt of San Dimas Auto begins the converter swap by removing the center crossmember, then draining the transmission fluid by removing the pan.
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Next, the battery is disconnected and the starter is removed for better access to the converter bolts.
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The driveshaft is removed after loosening the bolts that fasten the U-joints to the differential.
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A transmission jack is used to support the transmission while the bellhousing bolts are removed.
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Unfortunately, the Lightning's exhaust system had to be removed before the tranny could be pulled. But first, the four blue oxygen sensors must be disconnected carefully to avoid damaging them. Once the sensors have been pulled, the exhaust crossover tube can be unbolted and removed.
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Now the transmission can be eased back away from the engine. Make certain that all linkages and lines are disconnected.
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The stock torque converter comes out with the transmission. Simply pull it away from the transmission, remembering that the converter is still full of trans fluid.
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This shows the difference in overall diameter between the 10.5-inch Pro Torque converter (left) and the stock 13-inch converter. The internal differences are significant.
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Hiatt slides the new Pro Torque converter in place after filling it with transmission fluid. He rotates it slightly to ensure that the internal splines are engaged.
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The trans/converter assembly is ready to be bolted back in place by reversing the disassembly steps.
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The Pro Torque converter allows more of the Lightning's supercharged 5.4L engine's power to reach the rear wheels. This particular engine is souped up with an aftermarket throttle body and computer chip.
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