Big gear question. • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **gkulland** » 22 Apr 2009 6:52

I'm new to Mopar and cars in general. When i look under my car, am i supposed to see a very large gear like object where my transmission is?

by **dave-r** » 22 Apr 2009 8:11

Only on the performance versions. The normal cars just had a large rubber band.

by **dave-r** » 22 Apr 2009 8:18

Serious answer this one.
If you are that unexperienced with cars you are making a big mistake trying to run a old classic car. They need lots of maintainance all the time.

On the other hand, an old car that does not work right is the best way to learn how to fix them.

My worry is that you may have no idea how much work and money a classic car can be to run. And if you cannot fix things yourself it will never run right and cost you a small fortune.

If you want to learn though. There is a good few people here that will help you along.

So what is this gear thing you are looking for? The torque converter?

by **gkulland** » 22 Apr 2009 8:27

Well to learn is why i came, I have the time and the money. and to retract my previous statement, I have a working knowledge of the mechanical basics of vehicles. I just would like to know MORE. I just found it odd that i was able to see the part that i assumed would have been covered up.

hmmm....maybe the rubber band fell off holding it up?

by **Eddie** » 22 Apr 2009 9:23

I see, I think Mr. Gkulland means the inspection cover right??If this is so,, new ones or "re-pops" can be had from various sources.

by **gkulland** » 22 Apr 2009 9:54

Inspection cover eh? I'll have a gander at that. Thanks for the info. Just got this car and i'm trying to get a grasp of some of the parts and what i need to get it back in the sack.

by **dave-r** » 22 Apr 2009 10:14

That inspection cover is a half moon shaped metal plate that covers the exposed portion of the transmission bellhousing behind the engine sump.

What you can see there with the gear teeth on is a torque converter (automatic) or flywheel (manual).

With that plate removed you can access the 4 torque converter bolts one at a time.
If you increase your camshaft duration (bigger cam) much more than stock you will have to replace the torque converter with a higher stall speed unit.

To do this you will have to take those 4 bolts out behind the cover and then remove either the transmission or the engine so you can pull the torque converter out to replace it. You must also replace the seal the converter pushes through.
Torque converter bolts must be tight and you should use thread lock so they do not come loose.

Is this the sort of background information you are looking for?

by **gkulland** » 22 Apr 2009 10:23

Yes completely,

thank you much.