I am rebuilding my 4l80e it is an 02 that the forward clutch failed, and burned up. the center seal was really hard and brittle so i removed it, however i do not have a new one to replace it with. I've read its ok to leave this out, is this true?

 

Won't it leak...?

 

I don't know, thats what I'm hoping to find out lol. There are two holes at the top that leak, however theres a shaft going through there. The shaft seems to have a hole too though. There was a thread started a few years back (2009) I believe, and the general attitude was that was fine to do the only difference would be a firmer apply into drive from Park\Neutral.

 

Yes you are correct - it is possible to leave the inner seal out on the forward clutch on the 4L80E but it is not advisable as it will definitely give you a firmer forward apply.

 

Ok, besides being irritating and reducing ride quality is there any downsides to a firmer forward apply? Thanks

 

There are really no other downsides to the firmer forward apply (just the abruptness going into gear)