Factory service manual versus real expierence

One piece of advice is to be sure the torque converter is fully engaged into the pump on the trans. before mating it to the engine.
Ditto. I didn't know that the first time I pulled my slant six. I ended up stripping a lower bolt hole when trying to mate the rebuilt engine to the tranny. You must spin the torque converter several times and keep pushing until the bolt pads sits at least 1/2" back from the face of the tranny. It requires that 2 shafts engage, or such. Yours may slide out a bit when you pull the engine, so always check. Getting the 4 torque converter bolts loose sometimes requires a special wrench. I usually use a set of offset box wrenches. And paint one of the bolts on both sides since it bolts up only one way. You can usually use a screwdriver on the ring gear to hold the transmission from turning.

I didn't even know to upbolt the torque converter and pulled it out with the engine (thought it was a "flywheel"). The machine shop guy laughed at me when I brought it in that way. I even let the tranny case flop forward. I should have bought a manual. Anyway, everything worked after that and I slowly learned by trying. williaml, I see your posts often and see you learning. I wish I had the internet way back then or at least someone to give me tips.