Transmission flange nut removal - 380SL

While the transmission is out of my car I would like to replace the front and rear seals. Automatic transmission on a 1982 380 SL. The rear seal can not be replaced until the flange is removed from the shaft. I was unable to locate a tool with the four "teeth" that fits the nut- rather than being a hex nut it is a design that uses four slots arranged 90 degrees to each other. I have fabricated a tool but so far have been unsuccessful in breaking the nut loose. I am reluctant to apply too much pressure because I don't know if I am dealing with right or left hand threads. None of the threads show on the shaft so there are no visual clues. Does anyone know which they are- right or left hand??? Thanks

Randy

[engatwork]

Turn it counter clockwise to remove the nut. Have someone hold the tranny hard against the floor and using a 1/2 drive breaker bar turn it counterclockwise as you face the rear of the tranny. I forget the torque number.

Thanks. It was very tight! The first tool proved not to be up to the task. I finally had success with a 3/4" drive 1 1/4" socket that I cut with a die grinder. It made for a very good fit in the slots of the flange nut. A 3/4" breaker bar and 3 feet of pipe rovided the needed torque. We had to bolt a 2x6 to the bellhousing in order to secure the transmission! A piece of cake once the nut was loose :-)

Randy

[myarmar]

Great tool Randy!
The torque for this nut is 120 NM (about 87 Foot Pounds).
Mike