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- June 17, 2004
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- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 98 Limited AWD 302
Sonnax makes two different forward drums. I don't know why they look different colors, but the descriptions are virtually the same, and one comes with two other small parts(thinner retainer ring and thinner steel, to enable another extra friction to fit). This is the link to that one(76655-01K); http://www.sonnax.com/parts/4373-smart-tech-high-capacity-forward-clutch-drum-kit
The 76654-01k is made to hold six friction/steel sets, stock is five and people have forced six into the stock drum(leaving out the waved plate). The 76655-01K is said to allow seven to fit, but it will require the two thinner parts included, but note, also the uncommon OEM 0.036" waved plate. Using the typical 0.072" waved plate, six will fit easily.
It sounds like a rare failure of the OD band, which are not the strongest parts. I've had one band break like that in my old C4 trans. The connection at each end to the mounting lug are the weakest points.
The bands don't need the fancy Kevlar material, the high carbon normal bands of OEM or Borg Warner are great parts. The same goes for the rest of the frictions, buy a kit with normal OEM frictions, or similar color/materials. They are very good.
Don't skimp on the little things, like the torrington bearings and seals etc. The valve body is the brains and needs new solenoids and all Sonnax upgrades in general. I found a new one recently which is supposed to be an improved version of the pressure regulator, from Summit on eBay; http://www.ebay.com/itm/191879608096?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
If you don't have the Sonnax Sure Cure Kit already, do get that(and I think it has the older pressure regulator not the new kind(I'd call to see if they are updating that big kit)).
Inspect all of the hard parts carefully, the bushings inside the case and pump, planetary etc. Be sure there is nothing else off or a little rough. Hopefully from the time the band broke, nothing else got hurt.
The 76654-01k is made to hold six friction/steel sets, stock is five and people have forced six into the stock drum(leaving out the waved plate). The 76655-01K is said to allow seven to fit, but it will require the two thinner parts included, but note, also the uncommon OEM 0.036" waved plate. Using the typical 0.072" waved plate, six will fit easily.
It sounds like a rare failure of the OD band, which are not the strongest parts. I've had one band break like that in my old C4 trans. The connection at each end to the mounting lug are the weakest points.
The bands don't need the fancy Kevlar material, the high carbon normal bands of OEM or Borg Warner are great parts. The same goes for the rest of the frictions, buy a kit with normal OEM frictions, or similar color/materials. They are very good.
Don't skimp on the little things, like the torrington bearings and seals etc. The valve body is the brains and needs new solenoids and all Sonnax upgrades in general. I found a new one recently which is supposed to be an improved version of the pressure regulator, from Summit on eBay; http://www.ebay.com/itm/191879608096?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
If you don't have the Sonnax Sure Cure Kit already, do get that(and I think it has the older pressure regulator not the new kind(I'd call to see if they are updating that big kit)).
Inspect all of the hard parts carefully, the bushings inside the case and pump, planetary etc. Be sure there is nothing else off or a little rough. Hopefully from the time the band broke, nothing else got hurt.