thrust washers vs. bearings

[77 cruiser]

What thrust washers are the most critical to be change to bearings?
Which ones would anybody do first if doing it?

 

[WE4]

The center support, most definitly....

GM should have done this and they admitted it. That is the most critcal one and we do not even build a stock unit without one. The Low/reverse cluth housing is what we are referring to. Here is a link for a picture to relate to but I am no way "pitching" you. This is for the part explanation only.
http://www.ptsnctb.com/mcartfree/product.asp?intProdID=14

Good Luck
Bruce
WE4
www.PTSXTREME.com

 

[77 cruiser]

Thanks Bruce. How ya been? You haven't been on much lately, but it looks like you're back!
Do you use some of the same bearings that are already in the trans. for simplicity reasons?
What is the least critical area that can still use the thrust washers?

 

[chris718]

the bearing between the output ring gear is twice as important in my opinion because maximum front to back helical load is only on the support in first gear reduction,however the rear planet which is used in 1st,2nd and reverse is putting more of a load on the rear ring gear and for a longer period of time.

 

[KEhrhardt]

Is it required to machine the L/R center support when installing a Torrington bearing in place of the plastic thrust washer? Sounds like the bearing might be a little thicker than the washer, and that difference could be accounted for by selecting a different rear selective washer? Or is the bearing wider than the thrush washer as well?

 

[chris718]

you must machine the parts.with all due respect to pts our bearing is about 3 times bigger than the type they use so you must machine both the center support and the shell.im sure bruces set up will work we just do it differently.

 

[77 cruiser]

I don't know what bearing Chris or Bruce use, but I looked at the (rear carrier- lo race) and it about .100 thicker than the washer. Too much to take off of the lo housing. Their must be some thinner bearings available, just have to have part nos., probably a bit of a trade secret though.

 

[Firechicken]

Seeing as we are speaking of the sunshell and low/rev housing, I have a question Chris. It isn't mentioned in your manual that I remember. On both Figures 5D-3 and 5D-4 as well as can be seen on a couple of others, there are a series of 4 holes drilled in the sun shell. Why are they there, and is it a good mod to do?

 

[JDSfastGN]

Seeing as we are speaking of the sunshell and low/rev housing, I have a question Chris. It isn't mentioned in your manual that I remember. On both Figures 5D-3 and 5D-4 as well as can be seen on a couple of others, there are a series of 4 holes drilled in the sun shell. Why are they there, and is it a good mod to do?

I honestly don't know what the real reason for them is, but the replacement plastic washer i put on the back of the sun shell had 4 extentions (not sure how to explain them) that fit in those slots to keep it in place. I don't remember if the stock metel thrust washer had the slots but i think it did.

 

[KEhrhardt]

JD, are you referring to the "tabbed" rear thrust washer that goes under the rear carrier assembly? I would assume the tabs prevent rotation under the carrier. All that I have seen are tabbed. The holes Firechicken is referring to are drilled in a horizontal line into one side of the sun shell shown in the pictures. Better lube to the rear carrier assembly?

 

[chris718]

balancing

 

[Firechicken]

Ahh, I see. Thanks Chris.

 

[77 cruiser]

Their must be some thinner bearings available, just have to have part nos., probably a bit of a trade secret though.

They're quiet now.

 

[chris718]

i know no one can buy our bearing seperate as it comes in a kit for something else.if youd like to but it it is 30.00.as for bruces ,i think i have a pretty good idea what it is but im not telling its not my place :biggrin:

 

[WE4]

I will

All we use is a 350 stator bearing. That is it and I have never had one fail. Very readily available.

Thanks for the courtsey Chris

Bruce
We4
www.PTSXTREME.com

 

[KEhrhardt]

All we use is a 350 stator bearing. That is it and I have never had one fail. Very readily available.

Another shining example of why this guy is the best.

Thanks Bruce!

 

[77 cruiser]

Thanks Bruce. I was thinking about that but I didn't have one on hand to check.

 

[Russ Merritt]

Another shining example of why this guy is the best.

Thanks Bruce!

I agree...