What snap ring pliers do you guys have on hand for these trans builds? I just got some cheap ones on ebay and I feel like even though I have the proper tool for the job, the ouput shaft snap ring is a real bitch! I spend too much time on it. Would it be easier with a better set of pliers? Any tips?

 

I mostly use a pair like this:
https://www.marlincrawler.com/hardwa...ap-ring-pliers

Or this:

They are more specifically called "horseshoe lock ring pliers". Google that to see similar tools.

I did grind mine down a bit specifically for the output shaft snap ring. With the right tool it that ring is no problem.

This thread is very similar to your problem:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...ard-gears.html

 

Thanks for the links! I got good at it last time I went through the build but after not doing it for a while I'm out of practice. I think I'll see if one of those other tools works better.

 

Yeah, modifying those pliers that mrvedit shared would work.

That ring is a bitch. What I found works best for me was two angled scribes. I can get that snap ring out in seconds with two angled scribes. But, modified snap ring pliers would probably be easier yet...

 

Can you show me what kind of scribes you're talking about?

 

I have a set similar to this one. I used the two with the tips angled.



Harbor Freight has a no name set for a few bucks. But be wary, the cheap ones tend to bend and break, while a name brand set will be hardened and can handle the strength of the snap ring.

 

That's great. I have a no name set still in the package but I'll pick up a decent set if it seems like it will work. Thanks for the advice.