Toploader Maincase --- Nodular Iron vs Aluminum

[tkb289]

I am looking at the Toploader transmissions offered by David Kee and see that for the Wide Ratio, 28 spline, 24" length, they offer a version in Nodular Iron or in Aluminum.

Some questions:

- What is the weight savings of the Aluminum vs Nodular Iron ?
- Is one transmission more prone to leaks vs the other ?
- Is one more durable than the other ?
- Any other key differences to consider ?

Thanks!

- Tim

[4pipes]

I wouldn't worry about the weight. After experiencing the problems of differential thermal expansion in the aluminum differential case, I'd go with the iron vs aluminum for a transmission case until they start making aluminum gears and shafts.

[tkb289]

David,

I do recall your mentioning some of the issues that you are dealing with in terms of expansion rates.

The weight is not a really big considering for me, just curious more than anything.

Thanks for the info.

- Tim

[ERA Chas]

I can tell you that an iron TL with small input weighs 105 pounds dry, 109 pounds wet.
Pipes makes a valid point about aluminum expansion and steel gears inside.

[ERA Chas]

Kee can answer your questions. Did you ask?
His replies would be useful here.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by 4pipes

I wouldn't worry about the weight. After experiencing the problems of differential thermal expansion in the aluminum differential case, I'd go with the iron vs aluminum for a transmission case until they start making aluminum gears and shafts.

I've only heard of two aluminum rear ends from Kirkham having issues, Dave (4pipes) being one of them. I have no idea about the statistics of how many have been sold and how many have had problems, but, knock on wood, mine is still fine.

[DAVID GAGNARD]

According to David Kee's site, the price difference in an iron main case and an alum. one is about 65 bucks, and I seem to remember something about 20 pounds lighter for the alum. one.......

Alum is nice, but for the most part no one will see it and I'd prefer the iron one for longevity....just my opinion.......

David

[Igofastr]

I've got 5700 miles on my big in/big out aluminum TL (David Kee). Only problem was early on with reverse taking a dive. It was probably due to the linkage not being spot on. Other than that, its been great.

I gotta tell you, not having all the weight in the transmission tunnel has really transformed the handling of my car.

I just thought it went well the the aluminum kirkham rearend (no problems with that either).

[cdnus]

I have one, w/2.90 1st. gear, about 10K miles & no problems.
I can't remember @ the moment but I think David told me it was about a 48 lb. weight saving. Don't quote me. I do know I noticed a huge difference when installing it, I could actually handle it myself, unlike the iron box.


Craig

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by DAVID GAGNARD

According to David Kee's site, the price difference in an iron main case and an alum. one is about 65 bucks, and I seem to remember something about 20 pounds lighter for the alum. one.......

Alum is nice, but for the most part no one will see it and I'd prefer the iron one for longevity....just my opinion.......

David

Thanks for answering those questions David. The cost is fine, the weight is insignificant unless you're yanking the trans very frequently. Guess the user experience says there are no expansion problems.

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

Kee can answer your questions. Did you ask?
His replies would be useful here.

Chas ... I did ask .... have not heard back yet, but lots of good info here.

Thanks all.

- Tim

[brobehr]

perhaps a magnesium case



brobehr

[DAVID GAGNARD]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

Thanks for answering those questions David. The cost is fine, the weight is insignificant unless you're yanking the trans very frequently. Guess the user experience says there are no expansion problems.

Chas.:

Have and have had a few Mustangs with toploaders. I road race one now with a TL and for "normal" street driving/cruising, I think an alum. case would be fine, for any form of racing, be it drag racing/road racing or whatever, I'd stick with an iron case, but this is just my opinion.....I'm sure some have used the alum case in racing application without problems....I road race a 65 Mustang in Vintage class and off-hand don't know of anyone using an alum case in their car.

David

[ERA Chas]

I respect your opinion based on your heavy track experience. I've drag raced mine with flat shifts exclusively and like you, I'm glad it's iron 'cause it's been bulletproof.
Also really like your 'track rat'.
Did a clutch out last April and nearly broke my ancient back even WITH my son-in-laws help. Ally would have been nice...

[DAVID GAGNARD]

Four seasons of road racin and the only thing I've done so far is change the oil in the TL at the begining of each season, been bullet proof so far, fingers crossed..........

It's heavy and like you, I think I'd rather take a beating than pull the trans laying on a creeper on my shop floor. I changed out my clutch once and even with a floor jack under it, it wasn't fun and I'm sure by the time the job was finished I'd lost 1/2 pint of blood and had a few cuts and bruises...

One day when I rich and famous, I'll have a lift in my shop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! or better yet, a mechanic to do my dirty work!!!!!!!!!!!

David

[ERA Chas]

Like me, you'd never trust another guy to do those jobs...

[DAVID GAGNARD]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

Like me, you'd never trust another guy to do those jobs...

Yep, that's the bad part!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

David