1967 4 speed manual trans to bell housing bolts: Lock washers? Or no lock washers?

[Joe L.]

[Brian E.]

Re: 1967 4 speed manual trans to bell housing bolts: Lock washers? Or no lock washers

My ‘69 came with lock washers. However I’m not keen on the dig marks they leave on the aluminum Ears of the case. So when the Muncie goes back in (after I finish the rebuild) I’ll probably go with flat washers under the lock washers, or forego the lock washers and go with thread locker on the bolts.

Sounds like a good plan, using flat washers with thread lock. I may go that route. Thanks.

[Brian E.]

Re: 1967 4 speed manual trans to bell housing bolts: Lock washers? Or no lock washers

Chris——-

The only reason to use lock washers is for “correctness”. Threadlocker compound is far more effective at bolt retention/torque maintenance. I expect that GM would have used it if it had been invented by that time.

Thanks guys for all your input. I've learned quite a bit on this topic. If I can find some flat washers that are dimensionally the same size or close to the same size as the lock washers, I might use flat washers with thread lock.

[Leif A.]

Re: 1967 4 speed manual trans to bell housing bolts: Lock washers? Or no lock washers

Thanks guys for all your input. I've learned quite a bit on this topic. If I can find some flat washers that are dimensionally the same size or close to the same size as the lock washers, I might use flat washers with thread lock.

Brian,
Why are you trying to reinvent the wheel here. The General specified lock washers not flat washers. Once they're in place and locked down NO ONE is going to see the "tiny little gouges" that the lock washer made (maybe). And, how often do you think you're going to be removing your transmission? Don't overthink all this stuff you're going to drive yourself mad.

[Chris H.]

Re: 1967 4 speed manual trans to bell housing bolts: Lock washers? Or no lock washers

Example of lock washer dog marks.

[Gary B.]

[Richard M.]

Re: 1967 4 speed manual trans to bell housing bolts: Lock washers? Or no lock washers

.....Just make sure the lockwashers are not installed backwards.

When I was a young kid working at the marina in Medford Mass on the Mystic River, my first job in the spring was putting new boat trailers together. I finished my first one, and the lead marine mechanic, Jack Falon(my mentor), came out to check it over. He looked all around. Just then Larry the other mechanic came out, but he was grinning.

Jack said it looks great, but one problem....
All of those lockwashers are on backwards!

I was young. I was confused. I started to believe him.

Then they both started laughing. Then I did too.

As you can tell I'll never forget that.

Jack taught me a lot over the many years I was there right through college.

Rich

[Chris H.]

[Gary B.]