Just looking for some advice on how to proceed to be able to remove the upper bolts on the 545RFE bellhousing...

Last I tried (back in June), I chickened out due to improper support equipment for the transmission. I also had issues with access to the bolts holding the tranny to the engine, especially the top ones. Even when moderately dropping the tranny back end (tilting the engine backward), it still gave me a hard time reaching up there (and mind you, I have "girlie" hands ).

I'll do a second attempt at the end of the month, using GDE's guide to TC replacement so, all looks fine & dandy, except for these bolts!!!

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RIP 10/31/2012
Green Metallic 2006 CRD Limited
GDE Hot tune ~ Pre-F37 TCM ~ Transgo shift kit ~ MagnaFlow ~ Homemade Provent ~ OME 2" lift & Airlift ~ Samco ~ Euro TC ~ Lift pump ~ Nylon fan blade & Hayden clutch ~ Etc!

You need a long extension and will need to let the back of the trans drop down as far as you can. I put a light so it shined at the top of the bell housing and steered the socket onto the bolt head. Use a long wrench so you have more leverage and control. Longer wrenches are the great equalizer.
After dropping the trans, tap the flex plate with a hammer, it should ring like a lousy out of tune bell, if it goes thud, you may have a crack. Ask an experienced race car mechanic to show you the trick if you don't understand, beats having your flex plat crack after putting it all back together.
When you bolt the torque converter onto the flex plate, make sure the four bolts have Loctite applied. Euro converters use bolts pre-treated with dry Blue Loctite and SunCoast recommends using fresh Red Loctite. If the torque converter bolts don't have Loctite make sure they have it when you torque them up.

Good luck

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2006 Pearl Green CRD
Magnaflow 2 1/2" Cat Back
KJ Extra Leg Room Brackets, Carter Lift Pump, V6 Airbox, ORM
Fuel cooler, Oil Separator, Progard 7
Gauges EGT Boost Trans Temp Oil Pres, Michelin LXT AT2 245 70 R16
7,000# Draw Tight hitch, PML EX Deep Trans Pan
Centrifuge, SunCoast, Transgo, RAM TCM, InMotion Stage 2
Wife's 99 TDI VW Beetle

Thanks for the tips, will do!

_________________
RIP 10/31/2012
Green Metallic 2006 CRD Limited
GDE Hot tune ~ Pre-F37 TCM ~ Transgo shift kit ~ MagnaFlow ~ Homemade Provent ~ OME 2" lift & Airlift ~ Samco ~ Euro TC ~ Lift pump ~ Nylon fan blade & Hayden clutch ~ Etc!