I am rebuilding a 1979 slant six 904. All was going well until I attempted to reassemble the front clutch pack after completely disassembling it to replace the clutches and seals. The problem I am having in the front piston outer seal is not sliding down into its bore like it should. I thought I had it but upon reassembly the outermost clutch pressure plate sits far above the groove for the wavy snap ring.

Is there a trick to getting the piston to sit in its bore with a new seal on it? I installed the new seal the same way the old one came off with the outer leg of the "L" pointing toward the bottom of the piston bore. Is that right? There is a chamfer around the top of the piston bore that looks like it should let the new seal gently compress a bit and slide int place, but it just isn't happening. The piston won't bottom out even with the clutch spring in place.

Help!

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

The lip probably got pinched. I take a paper clip and use the rounded end to work the lip down into the housing, while keeping gentil pressure on the piston. Be carefull not to knick the lip of the seal.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

I use a chunk of mylar sheet (a little smaller than the circumference of the hole) to guide the seal into place. After it is in place pull the sheet out (lube both sides of the sheet first).

Richard

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

Thanks for the tips. I got it in with a hammer and a nut driver.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

Reed don't forget to air check the cluches!

Richard

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

Will do. This is my first ever total transmission rebuild and I am treating it mostly as a learning expedience. I doubt this transmission will see any use other than as a holder for the ring gear to start the engine on a test stand.

As soon as I get this 1979 transmission all back together, I am going to tear down a 1973 slant 904 and upgrade it with the guts from a rebuilt 1968 318 904. The modified 73 904 will be going into my brother's Duster.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

Wrap a big rubber band around the piston to compress the seal lip, then throw the piston in the freezer for a couple of hours. When you are ready to assemble, remove the rubber band, smear a little tranny jelly on it, and it should drop right in.
Been working for me for years on all kinds of trannys.

Thanks, I'll give that a try on my next trans rebuild.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.