[Bill Harris]

You should have at least an 1/8th of an inch of gap between the flexplate and the converter drive lugs when the trans is bolted to the engine. You should be able to spin the converter freely after the trans is bolted to the block but before you install the flywheel/converter bolts.

On the transbrake solenoid issue, just disconnecting the electrical switch might not make any difference. Is the solenoid external, mounting where the original modulator was? If so, you need to make sure that the valve that the solenoid activates is installed properly, not backwards, and moves freely. Is there supposed to be a spring on that valve? Is it there and installed correctly? Is the solenoid installed to the proper depth?