Need input on reassembly of T-400 Hipster Brake

[turbodave231]

I am going through my T400 after pushing the snap ring off the intermediate sprag.

The sprag did not blow up or even look damaged!! The center support got chewed up and the intermediate piston was broken from snap ring grinding around.

Band was worn, intermediate and direct clutches showed some distress, steels had some fisheyes. Normal wear I say for the abuse it has taken.


It was time......this trans has served me well for about 8 years and 700-800 passes.

The trans has what I believe is a Hipster Brake VB. The builder (Black Plague) installed the VB using paper gaskets on either side of the spacer plate. The Hipster instructions say NOT to use gaskets.

I lapped the VB surface on the case with an oil stone. and I'll lap the VB itself when it is apart for cleaning.

I am inclined to use paper gaskets on reassembly because that is the way it was.....( and the darn thing lasted so bloody long)

Here is my question: Should I use paper VB gaskets on either side of the spacer plate?


Mike if you're out there and read this post, give me your input.

Don, Jakeshoe and Chris, what do you guys do?

Dave

 

[Alky V6]

The gaskets can't hurt. Make sure the gaskets don't block any passages in the separator plate, and also make sure the gaskets don't create any new passages themselves. What I mean by that is, make sure the gaskets don't allow any crossleaking between wormtracks. If they do, then install the VB as instructed by the manufacturer.
Make sure the gaskets are a proper VB gasket material also.