Sequence to attach transmission: Strut/Mounting block problem

[pbmaise]

I have my new damper plate installed and am ready to reattach my transmission.

I don't want to damage my new plate and need advice.

1. Two large steel box struts attach either side of transmission.

2. Each strut has three holes for three bolts.

3. Two bolt holes attach strut to transmission. One bolt hole attaches strut to mounting block.

4. The bolt attaching strut to block is my problem.

That bolt has a thread that goes into the mounting block. Then a larger thread for nuts. One nut for leveling the strut from below and one nut locks strut from above.

Two nuts sizes. One thin one thick.


Upon disassembly I saw previous installer used a thin nut to level one side and thick nut on the other. Both nuts were frozen with rust and a bear to unfreeze.

Question: Which nuts go where?

It is clear the strut must be attached first. However, when does bolt attach to mounting block? Before or after sliding transmission into place?

My thinking is the large bolt must be installed into strut with level nut in place. Then attach to block after transmission is bolted to engine.

Can you describe sequence.

[pbmaise]

Note: The large mounting bolt has a 1/2 wrench connection at the top which allows me to turn it. Overall the bolt is about 6 inches long.

[pbmaise]

I found some figures showing combination thick and thin nuts. Thick nut mounted below.

Some are three nut systems with a secondary locking nut .

I suspect the installer couldn't fit the thicker nut on one side which is why they were found in odd combination.

So I am proceeding with attempt to install larger but from below lavishly covered in antiseize.

[pbmaise]

Found root cause of my problem. Engine room sole plate is too high next to transmission.

Original installer could not fit larger nut below strut and used secondary locking but. Technically, it is not a leveling nut anymore since the gap between my mount and the strut is so small that all that fits there is the thin nut and a washer. The washer was installed below the thin nut to protect the engine mount.

[pbmaise]

Owing to very tight arrangement:

1. Attached transmission to engine.

2. Installed mounting bolt into strut with thin nut as spacer.

3. Attached strut to transmission.

Hint to reach the very long distance to install bolts to transmission used jointed socket wrench which allowed one click each push. Took a long time to bolt it in place.

What a fun job!