Torque rod bolt broken in bell housing.

[Phil Black]

I have an '85 K30. Looks like the last time the transmission was serviced, jackwagon snapped off the head of the bolt supporting the torque rod to the transmission bell housing. Not much room to work there. There is a bit (not enough to grip with vice grips) out of the hole. Looking for suggestions to get bolt out without having to drop transmission. Right angle drill with a left twist drill bit maybe?

 

[Blue Ox]

Right angle drill with a left twist drill bit maybe?

That's what I would try. They're usually not seized in, they break from stress. So once you get it moving it should come out.

 

[Phil Black]

That's what I would try. They're usually not seized in, they break from stress. So once you get it moving it should come out.

True. Was able to spin it out tapping it around with a flat blade screw driver. Not sure the bolt was even the correct size. What is it supposed to be ? guessing 5/16?

 

[QBuff02]

If you're talking about the rods that go from the engine mounts to the aluminum converter cover the correct bolts should be if I remember correctly a 7/16 bolt about an 1 1/4"ish long. That's the way they are on my '82 anyway.

 

[Phil Black]

If you're talking about the rods that go from the engine mounts to the aluminum converter cover the correct bolts should be if I remember correctly a 7/16 bolt about an 1 1/4"ish long. That's the way they are on my '82 anyway.

The single bolt that secures the torque brace to the transmission case. I have the 2 bolts for the rod to transfer case but need to make sure I have the right size for the transmission end of the rod.

 

[Blue Ox]

I think it's 3/8-16 but for length,... 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" but I don't really remember.

 

[QBuff02]

ooooh.. Lol Misunderstood your original post, I was thinking from the engine to trans.. you're going from the transfer case up to the backside of bellhousing. Those are 3/8-16 and that particular one on mine is 1 1/2" long. It has a couple of oversized flat washers on it too, kind of helps spread the load across the eye in my opinion.

 

[highdesertrange]

3/8 x 1 1/2. it's supposed to a flange head so no washers needed. highdesertranger

 

[73c20jim]

Anyone have a picture of this support rod?

 

[Blue Ox]

I'm sure I can take one for you tomorrow if somebody here doesn't beat me to it. Are you looking to add a transfer case to your truck?

 

[73c20jim]

Might be. Need to see what it does. Maybe I got one already.

 

[dvdswan]

@73c20jim

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[73c20jim]

OK for 4 wheel drive.

I got 2wd.

Thanks.

 

[Edward Maxwell]

What is the real purpose for this rod, does it work? I had help with my swap and the person swore til he was blue in the face that it was the worst idea to come out of GM in the last 100 years.

 

[SDJunkMan]

What is the real purpose for this rod, does it work? I had help with my swap and the person swore til he was blue in the face that it was the worst idea to come out of GM in the last 100 years.

I snapped the bellhousing in half on my 80 while plowing snow. Was told that it was because the P.O. Removed that rod and the ones that go up to the engine mounts. Haven't had any trouble with the replacement tranny now that the rods are there. Of course I worked the truck very hard while plowing.