2.15.2003
I posted to Moparts.com to see which bearing retainer and bearing I'll need (y'know, the ole while I'm at it syndrome).
Couple of different answers but interesting:
ultrajosh: I just purchased a used Lakewood blowproof bellhousing w/ the 4.807" diameter hole. I have an 833 OverDrive transmission that has the large 5.125" bearing retainer, so I want to swap to the smaller size to fit this bellhousing.
Which bolt circle does my trans have, 3.70" or 4.16"? I'm guessing it's the larger circle, but I wanted to check with the experts before I buy the new retainer. I'm not ready to pull the trans apart yet to measure it.
Also, is there a way to tell from the outside what size input bearing I will need (I guess these used both sizes over the years)?
gearbanger: From my experiance, here's the scoop. The Lakewood bellhousings are drilled for the
4.807 retainer as you've already determined. Problem is, this retainer was used exclusively
on the coarse pitch HD four speeds and the tranny input shaft was larger in diameter,
therefore you need the coresponding 18 spline clutch disc and bigger throw-out bearing.
The OD tranny has the 308 bearing in front, because they couldn't be assembled without it.
You have two possible solutions with the parts you've got.
A...have the bellhousing hole enlarged to accomodate the jumbo 5.125" retainer on the
OD tranny.( this may make it necessary to move the clutch fork pivot point drilled inside
the bellhousing)....or...
B...get the big OD retainer turned down to fit the bellhousing. I'm not positive, but I believe
there is enough material on the edge to make this possible.
The 4.807 retainer and the overdrive retainer you have, both share the big 308 bearing
and always have.
None of the smaller retainers will bolt to an OD tranny.
62maxwgn: There is enough material on the retainer to have it turned without getting into the bolt holes.Have done quite a few.Easier than opening the bell housing.
JohnRR: josh , you need the bearing retainer from a 70 up B/E 383 trans , this trans used the 308 bearing and the 23 spline input shaft
the MP part number is P4529696 , hopefully its not on a never ending backorder . if it is call liberty , they may have a billet piece , its be spendy , but better than the factory cast part .
and yes , it will be a 308 bearing , before MP put it on never ending back order it was the cheapest and best available , came with almost a full trans gasket set .
ultrajosh: Thanks guys! Looks like they have the retainer I need at Mancini:
http://store.yahoo.com/chucker54/bearret.html
I read here, though, that the OD trans used both both the 3.14" (#307) and 3.54" (#308) bearing at different times:
http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/shop/3978/tranny.html
Maybe I'll just have to wait til I open it up to see which bearing I have. I bet it will turn out to be the larger bearing since the tranny has the later-style side cover and forks.
Couple of different answers but interesting:
ultrajosh: I just purchased a used Lakewood blowproof bellhousing w/ the 4.807" diameter hole. I have an 833 OverDrive transmission that has the large 5.125" bearing retainer, so I want to swap to the smaller size to fit this bellhousing.
Which bolt circle does my trans have, 3.70" or 4.16"? I'm guessing it's the larger circle, but I wanted to check with the experts before I buy the new retainer. I'm not ready to pull the trans apart yet to measure it.
Also, is there a way to tell from the outside what size input bearing I will need (I guess these used both sizes over the years)?
gearbanger: From my experiance, here's the scoop. The Lakewood bellhousings are drilled for the
4.807 retainer as you've already determined. Problem is, this retainer was used exclusively
on the coarse pitch HD four speeds and the tranny input shaft was larger in diameter,
therefore you need the coresponding 18 spline clutch disc and bigger throw-out bearing.
The OD tranny has the 308 bearing in front, because they couldn't be assembled without it.
You have two possible solutions with the parts you've got.
A...have the bellhousing hole enlarged to accomodate the jumbo 5.125" retainer on the
OD tranny.( this may make it necessary to move the clutch fork pivot point drilled inside
the bellhousing)....or...
B...get the big OD retainer turned down to fit the bellhousing. I'm not positive, but I believe
there is enough material on the edge to make this possible.
The 4.807 retainer and the overdrive retainer you have, both share the big 308 bearing
and always have.
None of the smaller retainers will bolt to an OD tranny.
62maxwgn: There is enough material on the retainer to have it turned without getting into the bolt holes.Have done quite a few.Easier than opening the bell housing.
JohnRR: josh , you need the bearing retainer from a 70 up B/E 383 trans , this trans used the 308 bearing and the 23 spline input shaft
the MP part number is P4529696 , hopefully its not on a never ending backorder . if it is call liberty , they may have a billet piece , its be spendy , but better than the factory cast part .
and yes , it will be a 308 bearing , before MP put it on never ending back order it was the cheapest and best available , came with almost a full trans gasket set .
ultrajosh: Thanks guys! Looks like they have the retainer I need at Mancini:
http://store.yahoo.com/chucker54/bearret.html
I read here, though, that the OD trans used both both the 3.14" (#307) and 3.54" (#308) bearing at different times:
http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/shop/3978/tranny.html
Maybe I'll just have to wait til I open it up to see which bearing I have. I bet it will turn out to be the larger bearing since the tranny has the later-style side cover and forks.
# posted by jb @ 10:55 AM 
