Clothier Transmission + Traction Products: FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an SAE #2 size transmission and why should I want one? Compared to the average 1-ton truck transmission, the typical SAE #2 size transmission is approximately 3 times stronger, has lower gearing and more speeds to choose from. It also enables the use of much larger U-joints, driveshafts and axles so the entire drivetrain can be increased to the same level as a 5- or 10-ton commercial truck. Just look at this picture to see the size difference between a stock NP 435 four-speed and a Eaton/Fuller FS7206A six-speed. Which transmission would YOU rather have behind your 500 HP Chevy 4 Bolt Main motor? How does an SAE #2 size transmission attach to my Chevy "4 Bolt Main" motor? Here's a quick and simple overview of the process. First, the existing transmission, bell housing and flywheel or flexplate are removed. Then our Clothier clutch housing adapter is mounted to the engine using the stock bolt pattern. The engine side of the Clothier adapter is aligned via the factory 5/8" dowel pins on the back of the engine. The transmission side of the adapter will accept any SAE #2 bell housing regardless of manufacturer. Next, a stock flexplate is positioned over the crankshaft followed by our Clothier flywheel. Once the parts are bolted to the crankshaft, you're ready to install the new SAE #2 size clutch, bell housing and transmission of your choice. What about engine balancing? Don't worry, we thought about that. The great part about this design is that we retain the stock flexplate, which maintains the external balance needed. Plus, the stock starter can stay in the original position. The hub on the crankshaft normally used to center the torque converter is used instead for the new Clothier flywheel. Does this require modifications to clutch linkage, drive shafts and so forth? Yes, vehicle modifications and fabrication are necessary to install our product. For example, you will need to adapt your current clutch situation. If you have an automatic transmission you will need to install a clutch pedal and any related componentry. We highly recommended a hydraulic clutch to allow flexibility in locating the transmission, avoiding linkage bind during extreme chassis twist, and to provide the extra force needed for the 14” clutch. It will also be necessary to fabricate a crossmember to support the rear of the transmission. This is an easy and straightforward job for any metal fabrication or welding shop. You may also need to modify the floor boards or transmission tunnel to clear the larger transmission. This varies by application, but was not an issue on the 1966 IH 1300A pictured below. In some cases, a modest body lift is needed. And it is very likely that a hole will need to be made in the floor for the transmission shifter. Why is this product limited to "4 Bolt Main" engines? Because the Chevy/GM 4 Bolt Main engines are strong enough to handle the extra weight of the flexplate and flywheel. What crankshaft bolt pattern does the flywheel come with? The flywheel comes drilled to match the "large" Chevy bolt pattern which is 6 holes on a 3.58" diameter bolt circle. It also includes a seventh hole for the alignment roll pin used by the crank to assure correct orientation of the flex plate. What is the RPM limit of this system? The billet steel flywheel can easily take 6,000 RPM. Any limitations on RPM are likely to be dictated by the specific clutch or transmission you select. In general, these types of transmissions are used behind diesel engines with lower RPMs. In other words, this system is NOT a good match for an 8,000 RPM alcohol fed race motor. However, it is an EXCELLENT match for a "stroked" big block Chevy motor which produces most of its torque at 3,600 RPM. If you tow heavy loads on the highway or have big axles and huge tires you will quickly fall in love with this set up.		Are Clothier traction chains legal for street use? Clothier chains utilizing 5/16" material are legal where tire chains are permitted by law, and this is our default "super duty" material for all tires less than 40" in diameter. We also offer 3/8" material, our default for larger tires, although the heavier material should never be used on pavement. This is just one reason why Clothier allows you to select the size of the chain material for your application. All of our chains are REAL off-road traction chains, not to be confused with cables and light-duty chains intended for passenger car applications. If you need to get your car out of the driveway the morning after a storm, our chains may be overkill. But if you need to access a remote hunting location in treacherous conditions, or if you want to take your 4WD places that no one else is daring to venture, you've come to the right place! How do "fitted" tire chains benefit me? Most tire chains are universal in design and will fit a range of tire sizes by utilizing a rubber or spring-loaded tensioner to remove extra slack. This is fine for very light-duty use, but tensioners frequently get ripped off by heavy snow, ice or mud when used off-road. A loose tire chain can easily tear through brake lines and cause the vehicle to be completely immobilized in the worst possible conditions. Clothier chains are designed to fit a specific tire brand, model and size to ensure a perfect fit every time. No tensioners are needed because there is no excess slack between tire and chain. The chains wrap snugly around the tire and are held in place by the lug pattern. Our chains remain securely mounted to the tire in the most severe off-road conditions. Why are extra "cross treads" important? Clothier puts more chain between tire and terrain The cross treads are the portion of the chain responsible for creating traction between tire and terrain. Most off-the-shelf chains have cross treads on every 4th side link, which is not enough to provide complete coverage around the tire circumference. This presents a problem when trying to stop, or traversing a side hill, because the large voids between each cross tread provide no resistance to sliding. Clothier chains have cross treads installed on every 2nd link, which is double the industry standard. This ensures complete coverage and eliminates voids so your chains are serving their purpose 100% of the time. With our chains, you can traverse side hills with confidence and you never have to worry about sliding when you hit the brakes. I've looked all over, but no one makes "V-Bar" chains for my 44" tires. Can you help? Absolutely! As a matter of fact, massive off-road tires are our specialty. Clothier chains are available for any off-road tire up to 52" in diameter. To prove it, here’s a photo of a Clothier chain installed on a 49" Interco IROK tire standing next to a full-size Suburban for scale. How do I know if Clothier chains will fit my vehicle? Before placing an order, it is essential that you first confirm that you have adequate clearance for tire chains. Inspect your vehicle very carefully for areas of potential interference between tire and chassis, sheetmetal and nearby suspension components. This is especially important on newer vehicles. For example, some late model Dodge trucks have less than 1.5" of clearance between the stock tire’s inner sidewall and the spring pack or inner fender. We strongly recommend an absolute minimum of 2" of clearance at all times, including at full suspension compression and full steering lock. Take our word for it... you don’t want to learn the hard way that your vehicle does not have enough clearance. And needless to say, we can not take responsibility for any damage caused by insufficient clearance. Is vehicle speed limited by installation of tire chains? Yes, under no circumstances should wheel speed ever exceed 30 MPH when tire chains are fitted. The centrifugal force produced at high RPMs is immense, especially on tires over 40" in diameter. Failure to observe this limitation poses serious danger to you, your passengers, your vehicle and others nearby. Clothier chains are intended for OFF-ROAD USE ONLY, and they should never be used on paved roads.