How to tighten upper bell housing bolts?

[funola]

The 2 upper bolts on the engine to transmission are loose, I can see the heads sticking out about 1/8". Any tips how to tighten them? I tried from below with the car on ramps and gave up. I have not tried from top yet but it does not look much easier as there is a bar (sway bar?) in the way. Is that bar easy to get off?

I also need to install the upper starter motor allen head bolt which is missing. I tried from below and could not get the bolt started due to the transmission filler tube interference. Does that tube have to come out first?

[lietuviai]

That's about the way to do it. from underneath, with a couple of long extension rods plus a u-joint. I almost gave up too when I had to do it.

[John1]

Use to own an AAMCO and my r&R guys used a Snap On 3 ft extention, 1/2" drive and 3/8 " male on the business end. used 1/2" impact. You want to drop the "tail of the tranny as much as possible and "shoot" over the top using a "sivel/wobble socket".

Once you do it this way it's easy!

My .02

John1

[lietuviai]

I think that's what I meant, but I did forget the detail of dropping the rear of the tranny, impact is optional.

[funola]

What are the steps to lower the tranny as much as possible? Note: I am working with front tires on ramps.

[lietuviai]

Remove the rear tranny support.

I've seen extreme cases where people will cut a small hole in the firewall to access them.

[charmalu]

Funola, I replaced my starter a few months back, and it seems like I
removed the trans dip stick tube for easier access. be sure to clean off
around the base of it real good so grit and crap doesn`t drop inside
the trans. I also had one the the upper bolts on the trans loosen. took
it to the shop I use once in a while, and wasn`t charged. he has more
of my money than I have in the bank. this is interest being paid back.
charlie

[funola]

Originally Posted by lietuviai

Remove the rear tranny support.

Is that all? What about the driveshaft? Wouldn't that hold the tranny up?

[lietuviai]

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

I've seen extreme cases where people will cut a small hole in the firewall to access them.

That would be extreme. Wouldn't it be harder to cut these holes than to do it from below? By that I mean you've got the dash and center console in the way plus lining up the holes without making huge gaping holes to match the bolts.

[funola]

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

I've seen extreme cases where people will cut a small hole in the firewall to access them.

You mean access from the cabin? A hole big enough the your hand to fit through? You serious? Where's the smiley?

[lietuviai]

Originally Posted by funola

Is that all? What about the driveshaft? Wouldn't that hold the tranny up?

Not enough to make a big difference but that's only 3 more bolts to remove. I guess you might as well. I actually had to R&R the tranny when I did it.

[lietuviai]

Originally Posted by funola

You mean access from the cabin? A hole big enough the your hand to fit through? You serious? Where's the smiley?

I think he probably meant large enough for the socket.

[barry123400]

A series 1/2 inch wobble extensions plus a 1/2 to three eighth reducer for the socket allen in my case got the top starter bolt out and back in. You kind of have to go over the top edge of the transmission and it is a little tight. Still 99 percent of top starter bolts are done this way.
You also had a little luck. Your top starter bolt is already out and they can be very tight sometimes.
The top transmission bellhousing bolts I have never touched with the engine in the car. My guess is you will have to access them from inside the engine compartment somehow. Or lower the back of the engine quite a bit.
The hole ideal should be saved for a case where the original top starter bolt stripped its head or just could not be budged. I estimate the location for a small hole is on the consul metal back up so it might be difficult as well.