i've read posts on how and why to drain the converter but how about filling it back up?
does it get filled automatically by adding fluid to the tranny or do i need to fill it as you would with a rear differential?

The torque converter will fill when you start the engine. Add maybe 3/4 of the specified amount of ATF, start the engine and let it idle. Then it's a matter of checking and filling, checking and filling...until the proper level is reached.

My tranny takes nearly 2 gallons of ATF. I add 6 quarts, then run the engine and top it up in 1/4-1/3 qt increaments.

wow 2 gallons? well that at least gives me an outlook on what to expect. thank you for the info that would really suck if i only had like 6 qrts of atf to do the job and i need 2g.