[grivera]

So I’m in the process of removing the TH400 in preparation for a 4L80e install. The top bolt/stud on the drivers side holds the dipstick bracket. Because it has a stud and nut holding the bracket, there’s no clearance to get a socket on the nut. I have a 2 post lift so slid back the tans x-member so I could tilt the trans down for clearance- no dice! What is the trick? Do I have to remove the p-side motor mount to get that side lower for access? Fwiw, I’ve always removed the engine and trans as a unit so this is a first for me. It’s a 69 Firebird.

[max 93]

How about a wrench from the top?

[Sirrotica]

I've taken the bolts out from the top with a wrench, as well as used a long 3/8 (24-36 inches) extension with a swivel socket to get them from the bottom with the engine tilted (crossmember removed) and hanging from the mounts.

That's how I get them out.

[grivera]

I can’t get the wrench on it cause the dipstick bracket is in the way. It’s a stud type- so one end goes into bellhousing/block and the other end holds dipstick bracket on with nut The space between the two is where you can use an open end wrench. The issue is I can’t get to the nut to remove the bracket because there is no clearance between the end of the stud and the trans tunnel. I’ll get pic later today.

[chuckies76ta]

Maybe a crow foot socket wrench. Sounds like the stud is against the firewall. I use a 3/8" extension that is 2 ft long to access mine with tranny tilted. I've heard of guys drilling a 3/4" hole with a hole saw in the firewall to access that bolt. Then putting a soft plug in the hole after.

https://www.tenaquip.com/product/gra...iABEgKu2fD_BwE

[johnta1]

Might have to take distributor out? (probably hitting firewall)

The exhaust pipes may be keeping it from tilting also?

Our Birds we drilled/cut a hole in firewall to get to top bolts.
(probably don't want to do that, ours were race cars )

[Cliff R]

My Ventura was basically the same set-up, pretty tight for firewall clearance just like the early FB's. I removed the distributor and laid on the engine to access both top bolts with a wrench. It was much easier than trying to access them from under the vehicle, even on my 4 post lift.......

[400 Lemans]

Maybe you can get a line wrench on the bracket stud since it is so close to firewall.

[Jay S]

You could go to a flexible Lokar dipstick and move the location and mnt so it doesn’t interfere. It is what we have went to on problematic dipsticks.

[Old Goat 67]

One like this.

[GoGoat]

Maybe you can sacrifice a wrench or two and bend and or weld them to reach in there. Just a thought. Good luck.

[grandam1979]

If you have a cherry picker take the bolts out of the mounts and move engine 2” forward being careful not to run fan into shroud. Makes it very easy I used to fight it tipping engine the hole bit and my buddy said why don’t you just move it all. F body mounts are flat so it’s easy to do and works great. My 2¢

[grivera]

Thanks all- the damn nut is totally inaccessible at this point cause it is almost touching the trans tunnel. Is removing one motor mount a bad plan as it won’t lower it enough? Otherwise, below may be my best choice…

Originally Posted by grandam1979

If you have a cherry picker take the bolts out of the mounts and move engine 2” forward being careful not to run fan into shroud. Makes it very easy I used to fight it tipping engine the hole bit and my buddy said why don’t you just move it all. F body mounts are flat so it’s easy to do and works great. My 2¢

[grandam1979]

I have a 68 bird it works great you can’t back the bolts out without doing it.

[Matt Meaney]

is there room to push the trans up into the tunnel, tilting the engine forward, to move the stud away from the firewall. then accessing the nut from the top?

[grivera]

Originally Posted by grandam1979

I have a 68 bird it works great you can’t back the bolts out without doing it.

using the hoist to move engine forward or removing motor mount?

Originally Posted by Matt Meaney

is there room to push the trans up into the tunnel, tilting the engine forward, to move the stud away from the firewall. then accessing the nut from the top?

It almost touches at the top so unless it could be tilted a lot not sure that would make it better

['ol Pinion head]

I always take the distributor out before lifting or tilting back Pontiac v8's in 1st Gens. Very easy to bump a single point or small diam HEI up against the cowl.

[geeteeohguy]

Didn't read all the posts but have easily reached the top bolts for years using a wobble socket on a 3 foot extension and going over the top of the bellhousing from behind the trans. Done a ton of them over the years.

[grivera]

Originally Posted by geeteeohguy

Didn't read all the posts but have easily reached the top bolts for years using a wobble socket on a 3 foot extension and going over the top of the bellhousing from behind the trans. Done a ton of them over the years.

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...61&postcount=4

[FrankieT/A]

I have a Snap On 3 ft. extension that is 3/8" on the male end and 1/2" drive on the female end. Nice because the 3/8" end stuff is smaller in diameter for the socket end and able to use a 1/2" impact at the tail end of the trans while maintaining a reasonably thick extension as opposed to trying an all 3/8" rig that long.