T R A N S M IS S ION PART S

Instructions

GM 6T40/45/50 (Gen. 1 & 2)

3-5-R Drum Saver Kit
Cupped
Part No. Steel Plate

144555K
• Cupped Steel Plate
• Waved Plate

Also Available:
GM 6T70/75 (Gen. 1 & 2)

3-5-R Drum Saver Kit

124555K

Waved
Plate

1. Disassembly
Figure 1
a. Remove OE 3-5-R clutch pack.
b. Locate, remove and discard all pieces of broken OE waved plate. Snap Ring
c. Discard OE steel plate located next to waved plate.
Backing
2. Installation & Assembly Plate Not
a. Verify updated piston is installed by measuring piston height. Correct included
in Sonnax
updated piston is about 1.132" tall. If piston height measures about kit.
1.105" tall, this indicates an early-style piston that must be upgraded. See
note below step 3 for additional details. 3 Friction
Rings &
b. Install Sonnax waved plate on top of piston. 2 Steels
c. Install Sonnax cupped steel plate on top of waved plate, lip facing down-
ward (Figure 1).
d. Continue assembling clutch pack as shown (Figure 1). Cupped Steel Plate
NOTE: If the OE 3-5-R snap ring is found to be damaged, a Gen. 1 6T70 snap (Lip faces downward)
ring can be used as a substitute.
Waved Plate

3. Verify Correct Clearance

After snap ring installation, verify clutch pack clearance is within specification
(.020–.060") using a dial indicator.
NOTE: If there is too much clearance, either the piston has been distorted
or an early-style piston is installed. Early-style pistons should never be used
in any 6T40/45/50 build.
In the event you have too much clearance after installation of Sonnax kit, measure piston
height; the early style piston height is about 1.105" and should NOT be used.
Updated OE piston 24259061 or aftermarket equivalent must be used. This piston height
is about 1.132".
3-5-R/4-5-6 Damaged splines caused
While the OEM does not sell early-style pistons anymore, be aware there are aftermarket Clutch Housing by failed OE wave plate.
suppliers still selling them.

©2020 Sonnax Transmission Company, Inc. • A Marmon / Berkshire Hathaway Company 144555K-IN 12-22-20

800-843-2600 • 802-463-9722 • F: 802-463-4059 • www.sonnax.com