I was searching for a performance clutch for my son's 85 22RE 4X4. In comparing size, etc, I saw the 22RTE uses a 9 1/4" clutch (compared to a 8 7/8" for the 22RE)

I ordered the turbo clutch kit from NAPA (came with a asco/aisin clutch disk), and a new RTE flywheel. Crap, the new flywheel was only about $50. It cost me $55 to get the last flywheel surfaced!

In checking for fit, I bolted the flywheel and pressure plate to the engine, and bolted the W56 bell housing in place. Looking inside the bell housing, it looks REALLY close to the pressure plate, but I can rotate the engine without contact. They both use the same starter.

Has anyone done this before, and DOES IT WORK! Would like to know before I go beyond the point of returnability of the parts.

I will document what I did with photos for a writeup if I go through with the install.

 

The only problem I see you running into is that the 22RTE tranny uses a 23 spline input, where as the W56 uses a 21. If the clutch disc actually fits on the trannyinput shaft you're good.

I'm using a 22RE clutch and W56 tranny on a 22RTE so I know it work that way, and I've got lots of room in the bell housing.

 

Both disks were 1 1/8" 21 spline. I think the RTE output was 23 spline?

Are you using the turbo flywheel and pressure plate inside the w56 bellhousing? (or the regular non-turbo)

The picture taking begins tonight

 

turbo flywheel (L) vs standard flywheel (R)

 

Bellhousing clearance

RE is rusty image 1/2" clearance

RTE is shiney image 1/10" clearance

 

More clearance pix

 

Did you ever get this sorted? Does it work?

 

It was working great. I can't say it would work in all rigs, but in his 85 22RE it works fine.
He stopped driving it in December when we started the suspension lift.

 

thats an awsome find, can you feel a more powerful grip through the clutch at all, i don't know if you could because thats more pressure plate clutch feel. I would assume that more area = more applyable torque.

Again nice find a let us know what happen,

im subscribed for the show.

 

Question, in theory would the turbo or V6 clutch fit on the non turbo flywheel? I'm putting a clutch onto a Mercedes diesel that uses a 22RE flywheel that's been redrilled to fit onto the back of the Benz engine (from www.4x4labs.com). So I'm stuck using this flywheel. I'm using a turbo trans so I have the bellhousing room, just want the biggest clutch possible...

thanks

 

No!! The pin locations on the fly wheels are different. These are the pins that locate and hold the clutch plate . Till the bolts are in.

It would be possible to redrill and press the new pins in.

But if you figure the time it is far cheaper to just buy another flywheel

 

Anybody else tryed this? Is it worth the trouble?