[ejw]

removed th-350 trans to have converter redone by PTC and noticed a long crack that runs across the bellhousing. it begins just past center on driver side, comes across and rolls down to about one inch from where pump bolts in (on outside where inlet/outlet ports are for trans lines) crack runs mostly down center between where trans bolts to engine and where bellhousing ends at pump. some friends say pitch it, any opinions? it has not entered the body of the trans (no leaks). i am taking it to a friend to see about welding it. hate to have to buy used trans and have rebuilt or new (money). also, if i have to replace, are there any issues using a chevy th-350 other than an adapter plate for engine mount. thanks. wish i caught this a few months ago, instead of just before spring.

[ejw]

removed th-350 trans to have converter redone by PTC and noticed a long crack that runs across the bellhousing. it begins just past center on driver side, comes across and rolls down to about one inch from where pump bolts in (on outside where inlet/outlet ports are for trans lines) crack runs mostly down center between where trans bolts to engine and where bellhousing ends at pump. some friends say pitch it, any opinions? it has not entered the body of the trans (no leaks). i am taking it to a friend to see about welding it. hate to have to buy used trans and have rebuilt or new (money). also, if i have to replace, are there any issues using a chevy th-350 other than an adapter plate for engine mount. thanks. wish i caught this a few months ago, instead of just before spring.

[tikiklubracing]

It can be welded. Mine is no problems.

[DOC]

I grenaded a trans once and it cracked from the area behind the convertor and back and spewed chunks of crap all over the place when it was spinning hard in first and shifted to 2nd and got traction. So, My opinion is dont waste your time, effort, deal w/ the headaches, worries about getting on it etc... and get a new one.

[warriors revenge]

i have welded several for customers. no need to throw it away!

kal
www.xtremefabrication.com

[ejw]

thanks for quick response, hopefully the welder can work his majic. any concerns w/ heat damaging any internals. i did not plan dissasembling the trans for the repair.

[Robert C.]

Weld both sides. Grind and clean the crack 1/8 deep or more. Wire brush it with a stainless steel wire brush only. Do not grind the weld off. Pack a wet rag around the shaft area to keep it cool. After it is welded and I mean just after, take a water hose and flash cool the weld to temper it back to T6 temper.

And go have fun.

[sdbob]

Interesting,in the 70's a friend had a 69 F with 406 RAIV that was running mid 11's.He was cracking M40 cases as I had to give him at least 1 with the reenforcing ribs.Anyone know what can cause this.WE thought mounts? weak cases?Any solutions?

[nasty66gto]

I would check your drive shaft for balance and driveshaft angle either of which can crack a bell even after it was welded

the last one I had we cut the bell off and put a jw bell on it and replaced the drive shaft. the jw bell is much stronger and sfi approved for your safety

[russ467]

I second the JW bellhousing. I am currently running one and was a tranny saver! Also has chebby and BOP bolt patterns.

[ponchobob]

Welding bellhousing is no big deal, but JW ultrabell is the solution!-Many benefits,SAFETY at the top of the list,-And lets you use any core, shevey(wetbolt) or BOP.-Bob.

[wolfs63]

CHECK DRIVESHAFT BALANCE. FOR SAFETY USE THE ULTRA BELL YOU WILL HAVE TO USE A MIMI STARTER.

[Half-Inch Stud]

TH350 case = $5
Cracked TH350case =priceless.

Re-case it....and learn all the more about your car's transmission.

check for sloppy crossmember, trans rear mount, end-mounts.

[nasty66gto]

I ran stock starters on a few ulta bells including the 1 in my car now

with out any problem did they change casting recently or something?

[TTS]

Out of balance driveshaft #1 cause. May want to bolt the transmission to the back of an engine or similar during repair. You may want to have the pump pulled to replace the pump o-ring afterwards.

[crazypont]

Go to muggyweld.com and get some of that heat absorbing clay. Put it just in front of the pump on the top and bottom of the case about an 8 inch strip each. This will not let the heat get to the seal or pump.

[ejw]

looks like the case is not worth saving, found another crack in same area and large one is less than 1/8 in from pump. i have a brand new trans mount, but i plan on ahving the drive shaft balanced. are chevy th-350 the same except for bolt patterns (can internals be swapped).
found a chevy th-350 for free from friend - what do i need to rebuild it for the drag strip (kits, etc. i saw in jegs and summit kits around $200) car w driver 3,500, plan high 11 ets, 9" tires, launch around 2,800.
or, i saw on PTC web site they offer a th-350 street/strip trans for $550. anybody using one of their trans. calling tommorrow to see what they rebuild with - seeems reasonably priced - tci wants $800.

[wolfs63]

MY ULTRA BELL IS ABOUT 1 YEAR OLD, A STOCK STARTER NOSE WOULD NOT FIT INTO THE RECESSED AREA OF THE BELL WHERE THE STARTER MOUNTS.

[bmpmdf]

I will say JW ULTRABELL !!! There is not an easier way to 1) increase the strenght of your transmission body assembly, & 2) No track will ever ask twice about if you have a flexplate/flywheel guard. 3) you won't have to go thru the expense of getting another trans built. And it is much easier using the Ultrabell than a flywheel guard if you ever have to reach the bolts!!!

[bmpmdf]

When you cut the bellhousing for the ultra bell, you will not have to worry about the cracked area because itwill no longer be apart of your trans.