The Dodge Challenger Message Board

When rebuilding my auto transmission I have bought a TCI rebuild kit.
In this kit are two types of friction plate. One is thicker than the other.

I have installed the thick plates into the front clutch drum and the thinner into the rear.

What is the reason for the two types of plates and is there any reason why we can't swap the two types around or mix them in order to help achieve correct end play?

The only reason I know of that some clutch plates come up thinner is so that you can fit 4 plates into a front drum that originally had 3, and 5 into one that originally had 4. The thinner one's don't last as long though, which is why I machined the retainer on the last one I did so that I could use 5 of the thicker type. I can't see any good reason not to swap them around if you need to.

The plates go in the following locations.

Thick plates (.095") go in the high reverse or front drum.
Depending on drum 3 to 5 plates

Thinner plates (.062") are the forward or rear frictions and go in the rear drum.
Usually 4 plates.

The number of plates per drum is determined by the application from Chrysler, or if you have either cut an upper grove in the drum to add more plates, or if you have purchased an aftermarket drum

Graham