TH400 Rebuild kits

Discussion in 'The "Juice Box"' started by 1969RIVI, Dec 1, 2018.

  1. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    Hey Larry, I have a stock GM starter should I be worried with any alignment or grinding issues? I assumedthe only difference between the JW plate and a stock one was strength and race/track ready approval.
     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Maybe, I would check it before you attach the transmission. Not sure about a stock starter, but the mini starters I was using both had clearance issues. The starter pinion was practically touching the flex plate teeth before any engagement. The starter would grind, I am guessing, because the pinion couldn't retract enough once the engine started. Jim Weise now uses the flex plate (2nd picture) I swapped onto my engine when I replaced the converter. Up to that point, I was using the Robb Mc starter that was shimmed 1/8" (2 shims). When I swapped in the new flex plate, I ended up removing both shims and I had plenty of clearance, so the teeth were a different distance from the starter. To be clear, I am NOT talking about shims that go between the starter and the engine block. The Robb Mc starter uses a mounting block that the starter attaches to. You can shim between the mounting block and the starter body to move the pinion AWAY from the flex plate. You CAN'T do that with a stock starter. Robb actually supplies a single 1/16" shim with his starters, I needed two to get the clearance I needed. Robb sent me another one. Not sure why you are replacing your flex plate if it isn't cracked. The 350 flex plates crack all the time, but the 455 plates are pretty sturdy.
     
  3. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    I will definitely have to check all that out while the trans is out. I'm pretty sure my stock flex plate is cracked, warped or out of balance due to missing part of the weight or something?? I felt that the "wobbling" of the flexplate was pretty excessive so I took a video and posted it on here and alot of other members suggested its cracked and to replace it. Take a look at the video Larry and give me your opinion.

     
  4. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Yeah, that is too much. I would have bought the plate I have from Jim Weise. I can’t find the thread right now, but I believe there have been some issues with the JW (the wheel) flex plate. Hope you got it at a good price.
     
  5. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    Yes I did and I looked it over pretty good and didn't see any cracks or defects anywhere and I checked it for flatness on my wife's polished granite counter top lol she lost her mind but hey its flat! What kind of issues are you referring to Larry?
     
  6. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    The ring gear issues. Just check it.

    http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/can-i-replace-the-ring-gear-on-a-flywheel.305261/

    https://turbobuick.com/threads/jw-flexplate-install.418434/

    https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=JW+the+wheel+ring+gear+issues?
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2019
  7. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    So my transgo kit showed up last week but I've been super busy with work. Now that all the pieces are here it's time to find some time to drop the trans and get to it!
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Bens99gtp

    Bens99gtp Well-Known Member

    I run a stk starter on jw wheel no issue.

    you trans kit didnt have a new low reverse band......if going all this way might as well get a new one there too. double and triple check clue pack clearances.......they can be hard to use feeler gauges, I have some shims that go under ford rockers to shim them up.....they are in like .015 thickness......I stack them up on to the last clutch, install the reaction plate of i can still move clutches not enough if i cant get snap ring on too much

    pay close attention to your steels for the forward and direct drums, they are interchangeable but different thickness....... so to get clearances in both packs sometimes you have rob better to pay paul.........especially if you dont have a selection of steels........if needed you can order steels in the thickness needed and I also believe they have different thickness clutches too.

    also take time to make sure your reaction plates........thick top plate on each clutch pack is flat on the clutch side.....they can look good but be bent. you can also order these in different thickness to help dial in clearance........to tight is bad and causes drag.......so aim for the middle upper end if specs since this is a street car........normally .012-.015 per friction for the forward and direct.....cant remember intermediate off gr top of my head. if you have to choose clutch pack to be slightly larger than spec......let it be the forward. it's a non shifting clutch, so if loose it might not be a snappy engagement but once there it never releases till taken out of gear. you can crutch this pack with a wave plate to get clearances better and have it not be as harsh into gear.

    if you take the wave plate out of the direct, it will effect the reverse engagement feel as well.

    ck performance has alot of these little parts that make a build nice......new clutch piston release springs, different thickness reaction plates etc.

    looked like that kit has cast sealing washers......dont increase the pump pressure too much with them......it will cause wear inside the spinning parts........keep in mind they seal by have the fluid press the up against the other metal part........but that part spins......so the harder you press on it the deeper it will cut......
     
  9. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the tips Ben! My other kit came with a band, I think it's the one you are talking about. I will be starting a build thread once I get it going and documenting everything as I go. I hope to have guys like you chime in on it to help aid me through it as this will be my first trans rebuild ever!
     
  10. Bens99gtp

    Bens99gtp Well-Known Member

    most kits come with the intermediate band. it's only about 1" wide.

    the low reverse band is much wider....looks like 3 put together as i

    Google each to see what yours look like, dont assume
     
  11. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    Yep you're right, it came with the 1" intermediate band. I will have to order a low reverse band. Any suggestions? How about the kevlar one from TCI or the Hughes performance kevlar from summit?
    https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hup-hp2251h/
     
  12. Bens99gtp

    Bens99gtp Well-Known Member

    either should be fine. it's only used in reverse and in manual low for extra holding. if in drive poston snd 1st gear the band isnt used.......so I wouldnt spend big bucks on one, just if doing a full build I would replace it.
     
  13. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    Oh ok got ya! I might just see if I can get a GM stock grade one from my local napa then and save some bucks on the shipping charges.
     
  14. Bens99gtp

    Bens99gtp Well-Known Member

    there plenty on Ebay or Amazon for 35 shipped
     
  15. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    Yeh I'll definitely be looking at that cause my local Napa can't get them and the trans shop in town can get a basic stock one for $75 CDN and save me the shipping when he orders it with his bulk parts order. Summit has the performance kevlar band for $30CDN+ shipping.
     

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