Northwest Offroad claims using one of their cast aluminum pans
helps reduce tranny case flexing and helps prevent bellhousing
flange breakage......any truth to this?

I've always run a stock stamped steel pan on my 700R4 and wondered
if there was any benefit to running a cast aluminum tranny pan.
I like the fact that it is easier to get a good seal at the gasket
face but I worry about the possibility of hitting a rock on the
trail and the aluminum one cracking. Sure seems it would be easier
to field repair a steel pan.

Thoughts?
Jay

Build a skid to eliminate the possibility of cracking. Alum does dissipate heat beter that steel!
<IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0">

I think the aluminum would seal better. Possible dissipate heat better. But it would crack if smacked on the rocks. I don't know if it would strenghten the case though. Is that a problem on the 700R4s?
Steal is cheap and reliable.

All right, Jay, what are you up to??? From the bits and pieces I hear through the grapevine it appears to me you are going to build a buggy. Spill it, Jay!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I cracked my 700R4 housing in near the same place my 350's would crack (near the back by the transfer case adapter. I'll try and get some pics. Case only lasted 25,000 miles behind my 450HP supercharged small block Chevy + a rebuild/upgrade at 12,000 miles. Yes, its a high performance unit with all the upgrades. Its in my tow rig so it gets beat on on and off the road. Replaced it with a Turbo 400. This is the only automatic transmission I have never had a problem with before (I have this trans in two other rigs) so I hope this one last in this truck.

Jason <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

aluminum is pretty sweet... and i think if you hit a transmission decently on a rock it wouldnt care if it was sheetmetal or aluminum
atf would be a flowin