Questions on Torque Converter Removal

[SHOCD]

I'm getting pretty bad torque converter shudder and I've tried all the usual culprits. So I want to pick up a new one and have it ready to go. I have a few questions. I'm basically automatic transmission illiterate.

1. Do I need to pull the motor and trans?
2. Does it come out the top or the bottom?
3. Any common tips or tricks I should be aware of?
4. Any speciality tools I need to purchase or make?
5. Any "while I'm in there" I should take care of? I'll probably knock out a PTU replacement as well.
6. What's the quotes book time for this job?

 

[Paramedic Terry]

Before you go to that trouble and expense, I would recommend changing the fluid & filter. A good additive like the one attached may be able to fix the shuddering problem. Keep in mind that the torque converter MAY not be the source of the shuddering. You would probably only feel a converter shudder when the lock-up clutch is engaging,and it won't be engaging under hard acceleration.
If the shudder is indeed not related to the torque converter, it would be from the transmission clutches. If that's the case, my first step would still be the same; drain & replace fluid, change the filter & add a good conditioner treatment. If you get positive results from this, consider repeating the process a few thousand miles later.
I'm not a transmission specialist, but I've been wrenching on stuff for a half century, for what that's worth. Good luck.

 

[SHOCD]

Before you go to that trouble and expense, I would recommend changing the fluid & filter. A good additive like the one attached may be able to fix the shuddering problem. Keep in mind that the torque converter MAY not be the source of the shuddering. You would probably only feel a converter shudder when the lock-up clutch is engaging,and it won't be engaging under hard acceleration.
If the shudder is indeed not related to the torque converter, it would be from the transmission clutches. If that's the case, my first step would still be the same; drain & replace fluid, change the filter & add a good conditioner treatment. If you get positive results from this, consider repeating the process a few thousand miles later.
I'm not a transmission specialist, but I've been wrenching on stuff for a half century, for what that's worth. Good luck.

There is no accessible filter without splitting the case on the 6F55. Shudder only occurs 3rd gear and up. Target and output turbine speed don't match properly. I've done 20qts through the trans and added 2 tubes of shudder fix. Problem still occuring.

 

[Paramedic Terry]

There is no accessible filter without splitting the case on the 6F55. Shudder only occurs 3rd gear and up. Target and output turbine speed don't match properly. I've done 20qts through the trans and added 2 tubes of shudder fix. Problem still occuring.

I was thinking that the filter is essentially inaccessible on that transmission. What you describe does sound like a converter clutch problem.
I would entertain the idea of refreshing the transmission while you're in that deep. It would be a shame to have to redo the expense of tearing all that down again just to have to pull the tyranny a little later. The same forces working to wear out the converter clutch act on the rest of the clutches. It's all a roll of the dice. Like Clint Eastwood said: "Are you feeling lucky, punk?"