A/T - A500/A518 Overdrive Section Assembly Tips
TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 145TRANSMISSION: A-500/A-518
SUBJECT: OVERDRIVE SECTION ASSEMBLY TIPS
APPLICATION: CHRYSLER
A-5OO/A-518 Overdrive Assembly Tips
Direct Clutch Assembly
There are three different direct clutch counts possible for the A-500/A-518. The only reliable way to determine direct clutch count is the snap ring groove height.
Attempting to determine direct clutch count based on year, application, engine size, etc., will not be successful!
Measure the distance from the snap ring groove to the top edge of the drum (as shown) to determine direct clutch count.
The 5 clutch direct pack was used for early production on A-500's only. All A-500's were updated to the 6 clutch direct pack. If you have an early A-500 with a 5 clutch pack, it is adviseable to update to a 6 clutch pack drum (part # 4461040).
All A-518 units come with an 8 clutch direct pack.
If you want to beef-up an A-500 for a heavy duty application, you can upgrade to an A-518, 8 clutch drum (part # 4461089).
Note
It is extremely important to measure for the proper selective overdrive shim. See Bulletin # 081
To make certain you've matched up your direct clutch count correctly with your direct drum, just be sure that after you install the top snap ring in the direct drum and release the clutch from the press that the top end of the sun gear is within 1/16" - 1/8" flush with the top of the sliding hub hole.
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
There are four different overdrive clutch counts available. The first version, with only two clutch discs was up-dated to a three clutch version shortly after production began.
Note
It is advisable to update a two clutch version to three clutches whenever you encounter one.