torque converter cover support question

[TechNova]

The support bars are needed because of the transfer case bouncing around without it's own support. All the force would be on the thin aluminum bellhousing where it bolts to the block. Aside form breaking the bellhousing it would probably flex for awhile and take out the trans shaft seal or fatigue the flex plate.
I've had my trans pan off a couple times without removing the exhaust.
In the last two months I've had the tranny out and in on my 99Tahoe and out and in twice on the 89 K1500, the exhaust will have to be dropped from the manifolds to get the convertor cover off. I was able to loosen and rotate the support bars without removing them.

 

[alpinecrick]

Also, I think I remember someone saying the exhaust is in the way of removing the transmission pan. My guess is that my exhaust may not be an exact stock replacement. On my truck the exhaust runs straight across the torque converter cover. I had to loosen the exhaust and rotate it out of the way to remove the cover.

If you were able to remove the cover without disconnecting both exhaust at the manifolds I wish you had done a video! There is no way I can remove the cover with the factory exhaust on my K1500's.......

 

[Pinger]

If you were able to remove the cover without disconnecting both exhaust at the manifolds I wish you had done a video! There is no way I can remove the cover with the factory exhaust on my K1500's.......

On a C2500 it can be loosened - but no room with the exhaust in place to actually remove it. To access the rear (engine) oil an bolts - that's enough. Maybe other stuff too.

Bellhousings (done badly) are a source of noise (NVH) so manufacturers go to some lengths to stiffen everything there.