Hello all. I have a question regarding bearing retainers. This specifically involves an A230 three speed transmission and a 1956 Chrysler Hemi bellhousing. I know, it's not a slant but please, bear with me. The A230 will fit and bolt right up to this particular bellhousing as it has several (read FIVE) factory bolt patterns. I know they are factory because they have cast in bosses on the front side of the bellhousing for support. It is a very clean bellhousing with no breaks or repairs. Here is my question. The bearing retainer on the A230 of course is 4.350". The center hole of the bellhousing is 5.125". Is it possible to modify an overdrive bearing retainer to work properly with the A230? I have read about making a "ring" to make up the difference between the center hole and the retainer. This seems kinda chinsey to me because what is to keep it from falling right out the front sideand getting involved in the throw out bearing and clutch? Any help is appreciated.

_________________
Rob

It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me.

Here are your two best options:

1) Have a ring or annular spacer made to bridge the gap between the A-230 retainer and the bellhousing...

2) Mopar dropped the 3-speed only bellhousing in 1975-76 when they introduced the A-833 OD with the 5.125" retainer...mopar took a "shortcut"... and rather than remachining/retooling the A-230 in the 1975+ cars...they changed the retainer...if you can find a 1975+ A-230 the retainer has the smaller bolt pattern for the 3 spd but is 5.125" for the OD bellhousing (similar to yours). This is a trick some use on "late" cars to stick a standard/close ratio A-833 with the small retainer into the stock OD bellhousing.

If you can't find #2 at a wrecking yard, or if the price of this part is $$$, you're back to #1.

Good Luck,

-D.Idiot

Wow. Thanks. Then it would seem that my quest is to find this "small bolt pattern" 5.125" bearing retainer. Probably a tall order. I suppose I could have the back of the center hole counter bored just a bit and a lip machined onto the adapter ring to hold it in place. More machining costs. Oh well. Thanks again for letting me know this other bearing retainer exists. I will at least try to find one.

_________________
Rob

It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me.

Just drill a couple of holes in the ring and retainer and use headless Allen head screws to hold in place on retainer. The bell will keep the screws from backing out.

_________________
61' Lancer 4 door shaved .200 ported polished,Balanced, Hyper-pak ,Headers,dual 2.5", 4 speed, 3.23 posi 8 3/4",205 70