Cheap 36 element sprag th350 part 2.

So here is part 2. Some people were saying the race wasn’t hard enough or smooth enough. I took it to the local technical college where I went to school for machining. I tested the races after machining them to a 4l80e direct drum with a 34 element sprag. It was basically the same. About the only thing is the lack of lube to the race. I ended up machining a hole in the race in like with some of the piston apply circuit. Which will give the fluid to sprag when it is free spinning. When it is locked up it shouldn’t need fluid for it’s not moving. So that is my theory on it. I’m not a professional. I will be testing it to make sure it works. I am building a trans dyno to test my transmission to make sure they work. I will keep you posted. If this doesn’t work let me know. I won’t fix your trans but we can see if there is something else we can do.

[@steveredman6083]

Going to have my machinest turn my 350 drum down. that with a 36 element and the sonex race should be good for my 455 Olds.. Great info.

[@brucewest7468]

Dave really enjoy the machine stuff. Have you ever installed new sleeve in the direct drum where the rings ride on th350 & th400. Not sure if anyone is doing this any more. They used to have kits available.

[@naudydave]

I have. I just did one on an aluminum direct drum for a th400. Wasn’t too bad to do and I also machined it for a 4l80 sprag race so I can put 4 clutches in. Sonnax make that bushing kit. I matched it so had a .002 press fit.

[@brucewest7468]

Thanks for the come back. I’ll give sonnax a call. I’m also looking machining and repairing the pumps not sure if is cost effective yet though. 350 & 400 pumps getting hard to find. Thanks again Bruce

[@cumberlandfleetservice6152]

Thanks for the video!!!

[@davidtaylor5082]

Thank you so how much did you turn it down and how deep is the grove around the center ring

[@gradyfarrer5146]

If you have a 3/16" hole right into the clutch apply oil circuit...you're gonna have big issues with 3rd gear clutch apply

[@naudydave]

In my one I bought they had no lube circuit. On a th400 they have 2 holes about the same size. With hydraulic pressure I’m hoping this one effect to much. This is all experimental. I’m going to test it. I would of liked to do a 1/8 but I’ll see what this does. Best bet would be to see a nice name brand 36 element sprag and drum and see what they did but I don’t have an extra $7-800

[@gradyfarrer5146]

@@naudydave th400 has a dedicated lube circuit...its not getting oil from the clutch apply. This will be a MASSIVE hydraulic leak for the 3rd gear circuit I'd honestly be a little surprised if 3rd gear will even apply the way you currently have it

[@naudydave]

I get that. It’s all trial and error. I’ll find out pretty quick. Making an transmission tester so I can run them and be able to check pressures. Holes can always be restricted if need be.

[@fabricancustoms]

I'd like to know the solution for this. I know the sprag needs lube oil, but where it gets it is a huge question mark to me. Thanks anyway!