bearing plate differences

[wowzer]

finally had a chance to break open the 555 transmission to install a moly bearing plate i bought several years ago. couple questions (complete newb at this).

the new moly is on the left. the original plate is on the right (have no history on what, if anything, was done to this transmission by previous owner).
1) i expected more of a "difference" in weight/look. could the original actually be a moly plate already?
2) there are some differences between the two (circled in red). the moly has a much bigger hole in one location as well as the original had some machining done (a slight depression) between the two big holes.

are these differences anything to be concerned about?

[Dr. Johny Dodge]

I don't think so

if I remember correctly the oil trough passes through that hole at the top that you circled - it actually fits into the aluminum plate with a force fit

not sure what the bit of machining is about but I don't think I'd worry about that

the aluminum plate can crack there so if it's backed up better with a thicker spot in the steel plate I'd have to think that would be better

looking at the silver edges around the two large shaft holes I'd say it looks worn from the bearings rubbing on the steel plate so it's time to change it out anyway as that will have an effect on the shaft end play

if the edge at the two large holes has a step in it it's definately worn out

[135sohc]

The replacement plates are almost all slightly thicker than the originals because the original chrysler spec'ed thickness plate is not a standard off the shelf stock thickness for chromoly plate. Also the originals being die cut have a somewhat ragged edge and there always slightly bowed from being stamped out and the replacements being CNC plasma cut should have very clean and crisp edges without any cutting/tool marks.

[tryingbe]

All moly plate I install is thicker.

Also, I used black RTV, grey RTV, mopar RTV... the only RTV doesn't leak is the RIGHT STUFF. It's more expensive, but it's worth every penny.

[wowzer]

one more quick pic showing the moly plate on the 555. it looks good other than that one big hole. i hope that makes no difference. (?) sorry, just paranoid.

[GLHS60]

Did you happen to measure the thickness of each plate??

Thanks
Randy

[wowzer]

i did a quick rough check tonight and it looks like the moly is about .5mm thicker - around 4.75mm vs 4.25 mm. the original one definitely is showing some wear so i'm good with putting the moly one in as is (big hole and all :-) )

[GLHS60]

Appreciate you posting #'s.
I bought a plate that's supposed to be Moly but wasn't sure.

Thanks
Randy

[wowzer]

Appreciate you posting #'s.
I bought a plate that's supposed to be Moly but wasn't sure.

Thanks
Randy

did yours measure the same and look the same?

[GLHS60]

I didn't measure it yet but will and post up #s. My trans is still in the car, will check out the original plate when I replace the clutch and add a posi in the future.

Thanks
Randy

[GLHS60]

I measured mine with a caliper and got around 4.66 so thicker than the stock 4.25

Thanks
Randy