HighMileageC4

I just received the bearing today.

It looks like it can only go in one way. The silver part goes into the reaction carrier shaft and fits perfectly. The lipped black surfaces faces the planetary as shown in the picture.

I did not realize the bearing had a lip in it until I received it, you have to look very closely at the picture to tell, so once I had it in hand and fit everything together it was straight forward. I had been assuming (before I got the bearing) that it was like the other torrington bearings with two flat surfaces.

mrvedit

Good. Glad to hear it all makes sense now and that my posting and pictures were useful to you.
Note that the larger diameter bearing also has a lip. The lip side fits into the reaction carrier and the flat side goes on the sunshell.

Doug Hampton

First off, Thank you! I have been trying to solve this puzzle for about a week now...

I am beginning to think I made a mistake ordering a "Monster Transmission" overhaul kit. My kit was shipped with a forward/front 5 pinion planetary which seemed like a good thing. The first problem my tech noted was the Beast Shell that it came with was for bushing design and my reaction carrier shaft that came out of the car was a Torrington Bearing design. After a few minutes worth of research I learned that this was just the beginning of my conversion problems as I went and looked at the bearing between the 5 pinion carrier and the reaction shaft and found it was not centered by the shaft or the carrier. So I called Monster and I was told all I needed was bushing design shaft and I would be fine. I tried to explain the problem with the loose fitting bearing and was told it would be fine. After hours worth of digging I convinced myself that having that bearing in there loose would not be fine. Again I call Monster and talk to 2 different people and the second actually tells me that the carrier is self centering and I don't even need a bearing! Anyway, long story short I have ordered the newer style reaction carrier shaft from GM through my dealer and they said both of the torrington bearings I inquired about should be included with shaft...Fingers crossed.

Now that I hopefully have the parts coming that I need resolve the loose bearing between the carrier and the shaft I have a problem with whether or not I can use the beast with the torrington bearing instead of the brass bushing. I have been able to talk with sonnax and their smart shell is compatible with the reaction shaft equipped with the bearing or the bushing. I already own the beast and would like to go ahead with it but cannot get any confirmation that it will work with the bearing design as well.

Do you gentlemen have any thoughts on using the beast shell with the bearing style reaction shaft?

Thanks for reading IF you made it this far, Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Doug Hampton

By the way it is a 2002 Camaro SS 4l60e...

mrvedit

Doug: As I think you figured out, either the planet or the reaction-carrier-shaft has to center the bearing; otherwise you will eventually have a serious failure. It appears the earlier style 5-pinion planet would center the bearing, but the current style does not. It makes me wonder how many transmission have failed because the builder didn't notice this subtle change.

Off the bat, I think using this combo with The Beast should be fine, but I'm going to check with CarlsonAuto to be sure. Note that The Beast will likely tighten the end play enough that you will need a thinner selective washer on the input drum.
Correction: Carlsonauto says the end play should not change. See below.

carlsonauto

The beast should be a direct replacement and work with either the bushing or washer style reaction shaft and should not change end play at all. ALWAYS check it though its very good practice...

Doug Hampton

Hi again,

So I got a hold of the 24241255 and required bearings and we are in business! I could not believe there was not more info out there about this.

Thank you guys again for your insight, My local trans parts specialist was clueless, Monster Trans is clueless, Both techs in my trans shop were aware of the 5 pinion change but obviously did not have the interchange info as they just install what the parts catalog calls for.

Someone should STICKY the heck out of this info as it will become more and more relevant.

Anyway, Thank you again!

rpturbo

iTrader: (47)

I am glad to have run across this info, as I am considering doing a trans build, and doing the 5 pinion swap.

mrvedit

You are welcome. Keep us posted on how your rebuild goes.

95z283406

What is the big advantage of upgrading to the 5 pinion planets? And should i upgrade both or just the front? I have a 95 with the thrust washer instead of the bearing as well as 4 pinion planets.

mrvedit

The hypothesis is that spreading the load over 5 pinions instead of just 4 should help it handle more power. Lots of people have run 500+ HP through 4-pinions without problems.