Flexplate Install

[mikeytown2]

Hey everyone I got a 92 LSl with 178k. I got my car from a dealer in WA with a new tranny at 120k for 5,900 in 2001. Anyway After doing some muffler work, i believe my flexplate is bad. It makes clunk sounds while idling and under hard acceleration it sounds not that good, but when i let off the gas it makes a horrible rice rocket sound. We looked under the car at the Torque Converter while it revved to 4k and it was moving like it was lose.

First Question: Correct Diagnoses?
ANSWERED: Yes! sorry no pics, but it was a donut flexplate.

Also I've read this thread for the torque spec (post #2)
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13682
51 to 55 ft lbs. for the 8 bolts that hold the flexplate

I've also read this thread and i've decided to drop the tranny to get to the flexplate
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=20953

Also been looking at some pictures here of the flexplate/TC
http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/use...svxfiles|27762
http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/user.php?CDG|8258
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=10164

More Info for Flexplate
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=21644


Second Question: What needs to be done in order to drop the tranny?
ANSWERED: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5472
OR Post #4

Third Question: What are the torque specs for all the bolts i need to undo in order to drop the tranny? (so i put it together correctly)
Answers:
3 bolts on lower A-arm (56-73 ft lbs)
8 bolts that hold the flexplate (51-55 ft lbs)
4 bolts that hold flexplate to torque converter (17-20 ft lbs) thanks intelisevil


Fourth Question: Should i use thread lock goo for the 8 flexplate bolts?
ANSWERED: Use it! (thanks Suby Fan)


While im under the car i plan on doing the Internal Transmission Filter Change
http://www.svx-iw.com/svxiw/article/?article=147

My PCV valve needs to be changed (dip stick popups)
http://www.svx-iw.com/svxiw/article/?article=139

And my timing belt is about due
http://www.ryanmacdonald.com/car/howto/belt/belt.html

Any Help would be appreciated. Also are there any recommendations on what else i should do, that would be great.
-Mike

PS is there a guide out there for doing the flexplate?