Getting .040 clearance on direct drum

[turbot2496]

I'm having trouble getting the .040 clearance Bruce recomends on the direct drum. I'm using raybestos steels that came in a kit and the best I can get is .060 which ATSG says is good. With the tendencys towards these trannys to 2-3 flair I would like to get this thing set to Bruce's recomendation. I've tried swapping steels around with no luck. The old steels were totally shot. Is there a secret here or do I need to order some more thicker steels? I'm checking the clearence using a dial indicator and applying air to the center section as recommended in other posts.

 

[KendallF]

I believe this is the one where you can take the pressure plate from the forward drum and machine it for the clearance. It's thicker than the direct one, so put it in, install the snap ring, measure the clearance, then take off enough in a lathe to give you the clearance you need.

 

[Morkai]

Direct steels

I think you got that backwards, I believe it's the direct steel that's thicker and can be used in the forward drum to tighten up the clearances.

You'll probably be fine at .060, but I'd really like to hear opinions of the experts on this myself. I just ordered a set of koleen steels and red frictions for mine.

 

[KendallF]

Re: Direct steels

Originally posted by Morkai
I think you got that backwards, I believe it's the direct steel that's thicker and can be used in the forward drum to tighten up the clearances.

You'll probably be fine at .060, but I'd really like to hear opinions of the experts on this myself. I just ordered a set of koleen steels and red frictions for mine.

I'm talking about the pressure plate, not the steels.

 

[turbot2496]

Thanx for the responses guys. I went down to the tranny parts supplier and lo and behold he had steels that measured .100. The ones I was using were .090. Two of these babys did the trick.

 

[chris718]

just to set the record straight loose clearances dont have anything to do with a flair.that is a mythistorima..060 promotes less drag when pulling thru the directs in first gear .the rule of thumb is .010 per clutch in clutches that engage while the transmission is already in motion ie the direct drum in high performance hi rpm applications with frictions with a higher coefficient used in place of stockers.

 

[Morkai]

Clearances

I measured .066" difference in my old forward and direct pressure plates, seems like too much difference to me, but I guess if you had over .100 it might work.

Chris, I remember you telling me it didn't matter that much. Hows about .037" in the OR pack? I just stacked my OR clutch and that's what I have.

I'll get to see what the directs play out to when they come in, hopefully tomorrow.

 

[chris718]

THIS IS OK FOR THE OVERRUN AS IT IS NOT A SHIFTING CLUTCH

 

[Morkai]

Direct Drum

Well, I just got mine together and checked it. I got about .060-.070" pulling up on it, but about .090" air checking it.

***

Got the forward drum together, right at .040" between there and .050 with air.

 

[WE4]

I completely disagree

Clearence does matter. We have PROVEN it.
As for the reds/ blue thing, I am not even going to comment. Ask any one of our customers if they have ever lost the 3rd clutch. I know how they are made, why they are made that way, and why they are superior. I use Alto reds for a ton of other things and they are great products, however, the Blue Plate race clutch has been the best for our applicationsin the direct clutch of the 2004r and 400 with a brake.

Bruce
WE4
PTS XTREME

 

[Morkai]

DD Clearance

I just rechecked mine, I get .090" with air apply using a dial gauge. What is the 'proper' method, just pulling up on them gives me varied results. It depends on the pressure you apply in either direction...

My pressure plate measures .175", is there a selective plate that'll put me in the right spot?

 

[turbot2496]

update

Well I got mine all together and it shifts great. No 2-3 flair or nothing. Not being an expert and this having been the first one I ever rebuilt, all I can say is the .040 clearance worked for me so far. Thanks for the responses, opinions and help. Bruce, Chris, and Hottogo posts on this board have been invaluable as well as guys like Blown&Injected who have already asked most of the questions. I'll let ya know how long it lasts as it is just a cheap $250 rebuild to get me by for now.


P.S. ... Rebuilding one of these things without the proper tools and experience is all the nightmare these guys tell you. My wife will probably divorce me if I ever try this again LOL. If I had a local experienced builder, I would definatly take it to him. Abandon hope all ye who enter........