8/13/2019 A500 Tech. Bulletin

1/3

! Page 1 of 3Copyright 2003 ATRA. All Rights Reserved.

A-500/A-518Overdive Section Assembly Tips

Direct Clutch Assembly

There are three different direct clutch counts possible for the A-500 / A-518. The only reliable way to determine

direct clutch count is the snap ring groove height.

Attempting to determine direct clutch count based on year, application, engine size, etc, will not be successful!

Measure the distance from the snap ring groove to the top edge of the drum (as shown below) to determine

direct clutch count.

The 5 clutch direct pack was used for early production on A-500s only. All A-500s were updated to the 6 clutch

direct pack. If you have an early A-500 with a 5 clutch pack, it is advisable to update to a 6 clutch pack drum

(part #4461040).

All A-518 units come with an 8 clutch direct pack.

If you want to beef-up and A-500 for a heavy duty application, you can upgrade to an A-518, 8 clutch drum

(part #4661089).

NOTE: It is extremely important to measure for the proper selective overdrive shim.

Technical Bulletin #145

Transmission:

Subject:

Application:

Issue Date:

A-500/A-518

Overdive section assembly tips

Chrysler

November, 1992

8/13/2019 A500 Tech. Bulletin

2/3

Technical Bulletin #145

Copyright 2003 ATRA. All Rights Reserved.! Page 2 of 3

To make certain youve matched up you direct clutch count correctly with you direct drum, just be sure that after

you install the top snap ring in the direct drum and release the clutch from the press that the top end of the sun

gear is within 1/16"- 1/8" flush with the top of the sliding hub hole.

8/13/2019 A500 Tech. Bulletin

3/3

Technical Bulletin #145

Copyright 2003 ATRA. All Rights Reserved. ! Page 3 of 3

Overdrive Clutch Assembly

There are four different overdrive clutch counts available. The first version, with only two clutch discs was up-

dated to a three clutch version shortly after production began.

NOTE: It is advisable to update a two clutch version to three clutches whenever you encounter one.

A500: Thick reaction plate

A500: 2 clutches, 1 steel

A500: Thick apply plate

A500: Round wire snap ring

A500: Thin reaction plate goes first

A500: 3 clutches, 2 steel

A500: Thick apply plate

A500: Round wire snap ring

A518: Except 1992 and later Diesel:

A500: Thin reaction plate goes first

A500: 4 clutches, 3 steels

A500: Thin apply plate, (Same as thin reaction plate.)

A500: Round wire snap ring

A518: 1992 and later diesel:

A500: Thin reaction plate goes first

A500: 5 clutches, 5 steels

A500: Round wire snap ring

A500: (The last steel acts as the apply plate.)