My only concern was what might be able to be pushed backward in the pump assembly by the drive sleeve since I don't know how the pump is designed. However, the transmission case to engine block snugged up with very little resistance, the flex plate showed no deflection, and backing off the case bolts less than a quarter inch freed the converter to turn. So.... Like Will Rogers said --- Worrying is like making payments on a debt that may never come due. LOL