TH700R4, 4L60E, 4L65E Transmission 3-4 Performance Clutch Pack RCPBP-21 Install Guide

The TH700R4, 4L60E Transmission 3-4 Performance Clutch Pack RCPBP-21 (MaxPak) increases torque capacity and heat dissipation of the 3-4 clutchpack by increasing the number of friction surfaces without sacrificing steel plate thickness, clutch pack clearance, or the necessity for specialty snap rings. By installing the (MaxPak) with the Raybestos Powertrain high energy or GPZ friction plates, the 3-4clutch pack not only offers increased holding capacity under high loads, but also adds increased temperature stability to an area known for heat fatigue. This kit is suited for both heavy duty and high performance applications.

‍

Installation

The following instructions are engineered to provide maximum performance in the700R4, 4L60, and 4L60E. Always begin with a clean input drum, pistonassemblies, quality steel plates and new piston seals to insure maximumclamping force during engagement. It is also important to pre-soak all frictionplates prior to assembling the clutch pack to prevent a dry engagement atstartup.

‍

1982-1986 700R4 Installation

After the overrun and forward clutch packs have been assembled:

1. Install the apply ring retainer and 0.125" flat apply plate.

2. Install friction plate, then a steel plate and alternate the friction plates and steel plates until (7) friction plates and (6) steel plates have been installed.

3. Install a 0.192” pressure plate

4. Install the OEM 0.123" snap ring.

5. Finally, slide a feeler gauge between the pressure plate and the first friction plate to check for proper clutch pack clearance.

6. Air check the drum to insure there are no leaks.

‍

Apply Ring: 3.800" Tall. Identified by a single bar, no markings, or a number “4” near the base of one leg.

Apply Ring Retainer: 0.055" Thick

Apply Plate: Flat 0.125"

Friction Plate: (7) 0.062" Thick

Steel Plate: (6) 0.078" Thick

Pressure Plate: 0.192" Thick

Snap Ring: OEM, 0.123"Thick

Clearance: 0.070" +/- 0.005"

‍

1987-1993 4L60 Installation

After the overrun and forward clutch packs have been assembled:

1. Install the apply ring retainer and 0.125" flat apply plate.

2. Install friction plate, then a steel plate and alternate the friction plates and steel plates until (8) friction plates and (7) steel plates have been installed.

3. Install a 0.192” pressure plate

4. Install the OEM 0.093" snap ring.

5. Finally, slide a feeler gauge between the pressure plate and the first friction plate to check for proper clutch pack clearance.

6. Air check the drum to insure there are no leaks.

‍

Apply Ring: 3.800" Tall. Identified by a single bar, no markings, or a number “4” near the base of one leg.

Apply Ring Retainer: 0.055" Thick

Apply Plate: Flat 0.125"

Friction Plate: (8) 0.062" Thick

Steel Plate: (7) 0.078" Thick

Pressure Plate: 0.192" Thick

Snap Ring: OEM, 0.093"Thick

Clearance: 0.065" +/- 0.005"

‍

1993-UP 4L60E, 4L65E Installation

After the overrun and forward clutch packs have been assembled:

1. Installi the apply ring and one piece apply ring retainer plate.

2. Install friction plate, then a steel plate and alternate the friction plates and steel plates until (8) friction plates and (7) steel plates have been installed.

3. Install a 0.196” pressure plate

4. Install the OEM 0.093" snap ring.

5. Finally, slide a feeler gauge between the pressure plate and the first friction plate to check for proper clutch pack clearance.

6. Air check the drum to insure there are no leaks.

‍

Apply Ring: 3.675" +/-0.005" Tall. Identified by a number “7” near the base of one leg.

Apply Plate: 1 piece, 0.220"Thick

Friction Plate: (8) 0.062" Thick

Steel Plate: (7) 0.078" Thick

Pressure Plate: 0.196" Thick

Snap Ring: OEM, 0.093"Thick

Clearance: 0.050" +/- 0.005"

‍

‍

Tech Tips

High Performance Problem: One of the largest contributors to a premature 3-4 clutch pack failure in high performance applications iscentrifugal apply, causing the clutch pack to partially apply in a forward range other than third or fourth. Research has determined that at engine RPMs above 5500, residual oil behind the third piston centrifuges to the seal bore.This centrifuging pushes on the 3-4 piston, and ultimately drags the clutch pack.

Fix: Drill a 0.042" hole in the input drum to exhaust this residual oil (See Diagram below). The hole will leak during apply, but its small size is easily overcomeby pump capacity. Cover the orifice to air check the clutch pack. Start bydrilling a small 0.031" hole (at a slight angle from rear to front ofdrum) from the outside, just below the reverse input clutch splines and 180°from the check ball capsule, to the intersection of the 3-4 seal bore and the3-4 piston floor. Although the drum has a check ball capsule, it is not at theoutside edge of the drum where fluid gets trapped.

‍CAUTION: Measure carefully before drilling. If the hole is too high in the 3-4 piston bore, prematurefailure of the piston lip seal will result.

All 700R4/4L60/E Problem:  Premature wear failure of the 3-4 friction plates. 

Fix: Install quality steel plates out of the box without any surface modifications such as tumbling, sanding, or using “ScotchBrite™”. A quality steel is manufactured with a specific surface finish that isconsistent across the steel plate. Even though it may appear smoother after using a “Scotch Brite™” pad, the inconsistent surface finish can slowly shred friction material from the clutch plates during apply and disengagement. A smooth surface such as on the Raybestos Powertrain steels supplied in the RCPBP-21 clutch pack will provide a consistently smooth shift utilizing the entire surface area of the steel plate. Remember a smooth steel plate has more surface area in contact with the fluid and friction interface, enhancing the lock-up ability of the clutch pack and reducing premature friction wear from asperity contact.

‍We STRONGLY recommend:

Raybestos Powertrain Pro Series™ 2-4 band featuring an open strap, high energy material, andhardened anchor.

Contact your sales representative for pricing andavailability. Ask for Raybestos Powertrain P/N RPS77700. It compliments the RCPBP-21 clutch pack perfectly!

‍

Technical Questions & Answers

Question #1: Why doesn’t the TH700R4, 4L60E Transmission 3-4 Performance Clutch Pack RCPBP-21 (MaxPak) include thinner steel plates to create enough room for another friction plate?

Answer: Extensive testing has shown that the 0.078" steel plates provide a sufficient heat sink during shifting. Testing has proven that the steel plate thickness has a direct effect on the temperature stability of the clutch pack during shifting. In effect, a thinner steel plate has less mass, thereby reducing the heat absorption capacity, allowing the heat to travel throughout the clutch pack, and ultimately causing it to fail due to a lack of cooling.

‍

Question#2: Why is clearance critical for the longevity of the clutch pack?

Answer: If the clutch pack clearance is too tight, the plates could drag after disengagement, or the clutch pack may apply too early and tie up with the band as it is disengaging. Oil erosion is another concern with having a tight clearance. When fluid erosion occurs, it will wear the friction facing uniformly. The friction plate facing will not burn immediately, but the thickness will begin to decrease, ultimately losing clearance and burning the entire clutch pack.

‍

Question #3: When should I use RCPBP-21 vs. RZP-001 ZPaK™ and how does it compare?

Answer: RCPBP-21 with Raybestos Powertrain Gen2 Blue friction material is better suited for high performance racing use. The RZP-001 ZPak™ is designed for above stock performance where cost is not the number one concern.

‍