Like godfather said, raise the back end up and add 4-5 qts.... start the car, put in N , the wheels should start to spin then you know your fluid level is close .... then top it off !! no worries !!!
DO NOT DO THIS! You may get lucky, but I can guarantee you that if you do not, Hughes will not warranty your converter if it fails. I called PTC converters, had a couple from them and they are on it, and the rep stated that, "we put at least a cup full of transmission fluid in there to lubricate the converter bearings, if you run it without fluid, it is like running your engine without oil or break-in lube."
He is right.. the time it will take for your transmission to pump fluid into your converter is not much, but its enough to create converter failure due to metal to metal transfer on your converter bearings.
Its your call, but 2 hours of doing it right can save you $$$ in regards to buying a new trans or converter. BTW, if your converter fails, you will need to rebuild your transmission.
your right, you should always pour fluid into the converter before install ... i did, poured 1qt into converter then put trans in and filled the rest ..... but if its already together and dry, can those few seconds before the pump fills the converter really hurt it ???? i understand the metal to metal issue, can it heat up that much in such a short period of time ??
have you ever tried to start an engine with the rod/main bearings completely dry? do you think that will hurt the bearings? you have to look at it the same way.
ultimately, you have to ask yourself, is adding one quart and 2 hours of your time really worth losing the warranty, the converter and a transmission over.
x2 I couldnt remember final torquing my caps on my 8.75 after it was in the car and buttoned up. Pulled everything apart and checked. Was done. Now I dont have to worry. I gaurantee you if you dont pull it apart you will worry every time it leaves the garage. Do it right.
Well I droped tranny and added fluid, Better safe than sorry, Took more than 2 hours but I did have help from my wife, Worth every minute to see her under the car covered with greese and oil !