Torque Arm Transmission Removal
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Columbus, NC
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z T-Top
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 4th gen 10-Bolt Eaton Posi
Torque Arm Transmission Removal
Hello,
I am getting ready to take my transmission out but I am unsure of something. I have heard that when supporting the car on jacks, you should let the rear axle hang down to relieve tension from the torque arm to unbolt it(so it doesn't lash out at you),as opposed to being able to support the car from the differential. Is this true or do I have it backwards?
Thanks for your time,
Fred
I am getting ready to take my transmission out but I am unsure of something. I have heard that when supporting the car on jacks, you should let the rear axle hang down to relieve tension from the torque arm to unbolt it(so it doesn't lash out at you),as opposed to being able to support the car from the differential. Is this true or do I have it backwards?
Thanks for your time,
Fred
#2
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Columbus, NC
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z T-Top
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 4th gen 10-Bolt Eaton Posi
Re: Torque Arm Transmission Removal
Sorry, I forgot to mention it was a 700-R4.
#3
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 Firebird Formula
Engine: 5.7L TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Torque Arm Transmission Removal
I've done it with both the jack stands under the axle tubes and under the frame. It's doable under both, and from my experience there's not anything that would cause it to "lash out at you". It's just a pain to get the bolts out if the diff isn't hanging down because they hit the body. Also note that it's a lot easier to get off and on if you jack up the rear of the differential slightly. I usually put the jack under the point where the track bar mounts to the axle and lift a little there. Once you get the right lift the torque arm should just slide off if it's unbolted.
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Columbus, NC
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z T-Top
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 4th gen 10-Bolt Eaton Posi
Re: Torque Arm Transmission Removal
Very helpful, Thank you
#5
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Arizona
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 1998 Viper/1996 Bronco
Engine: 8.0/7.3
Transmission: T56/ZF5
Re: Torque Arm Transmission Removal
I'm guessing the torque arm is mounted the same on the 700r4 as the T5.
If that's the case, most people advise not leaving the rear end jacked up because it puts a lot of extra force on the end of the torque arm when you go to unbolt it from the transmission. I have always let my car sit on jackstands right in front of the rear control arms and let the rear hang freely. This way the torque arm doesn't want to fly up towards the cab of the car when it's unbolted.
This is all if you are unbolting it from the transmission. I haven't tried unbolting it from the axle yet, I have always left it bolted on the axle when taking down my transmission.
If that's the case, most people advise not leaving the rear end jacked up because it puts a lot of extra force on the end of the torque arm when you go to unbolt it from the transmission. I have always let my car sit on jackstands right in front of the rear control arms and let the rear hang freely. This way the torque arm doesn't want to fly up towards the cab of the car when it's unbolted.
This is all if you are unbolting it from the transmission. I haven't tried unbolting it from the axle yet, I have always left it bolted on the axle when taking down my transmission.
#6
Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Saratoga Area, New York
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1990 Formula Firebird
Engine: 305 TBI (LO3)
Transmission: WC T-5 out of an 88 T/A
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, 3.42 & Torsen Posi
Re: Torque Arm Transmission Removal
I just pulled my T-5 last weekend, I supported the body on jack stands & let the diff hang & I didn't have any issues.
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Columbus, NC
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z T-Top
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 4th gen 10-Bolt Eaton Posi
Re: Torque Arm Transmission Removal
Thanks guys, sounds like that's the way to go.
Trending Topics
#8
Supreme Member
Re: Torque Arm Transmission Removal
The torque arm doesnt have that much tension on it at all. I just swapped out my T5 and just pulled into place when I needed to move it. The automatic and manual cars are exactly the same setup.
When you unbolt it take the top bolt out of the torque arm mount and then swing the clam shell bracket down towards you and you will be able to swing the torque arm up and let it rest on the trans tunnel. Once the trans is out you can pull off the two lower bolts that hold the torque arm bracket to the trans.
I have done this with on both auto and manual cars, with jack stands on the rear end and on the frame. If you want to lower the tension on the arm support the car with the stands on the rear end. It will make it so the arm can't rotate as much.
When you unbolt it take the top bolt out of the torque arm mount and then swing the clam shell bracket down towards you and you will be able to swing the torque arm up and let it rest on the trans tunnel. Once the trans is out you can pull off the two lower bolts that hold the torque arm bracket to the trans.
I have done this with on both auto and manual cars, with jack stands on the rear end and on the frame. If you want to lower the tension on the arm support the car with the stands on the rear end. It will make it so the arm can't rotate as much.
#9
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Columbus, NC
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z T-Top
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 4th gen 10-Bolt Eaton Posi
Re: Torque Arm Transmission Removal
Hmm so you would recommend supporting it under the diff? Thinking about the nature of it I would guess that that would be the way to relieve tension. I haven't done this before so I'm probably making a bigger deal out of this than it is...Well, I'll get after it tomorrow thanks for all the help everyone I learned a lot!
#10
Supreme Member
Re: Torque Arm Transmission Removal
One on each side of the diff on the axle tubes.
#11
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Columbus, NC
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 IROC-Z T-Top
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 4th gen 10-Bolt Eaton Posi
Re: Torque Arm Transmission Removal
Hey guys, successfully got it out today- thanks for all your help!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
86CamaroDan
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
2
03-14-2016 08:04 PM
bryanwood74
Suspension and Chassis
2
03-09-2016 09:34 AM