TH400 Planetary 1964-1965, used and ready to install. Fits the TH400. Ships fast from the USA.
Restoring a first-generation Turbo 400 out of a 1964 or 1965 GM car is a different job from rebuilding a later truck unit, because the earliest transmissions did not use the roller-type low clutch that most rebuild guides describe. This listing is a very clean used front reaction planetary that is correct for the 1964 and 1965 model years. It is built to work with a sprag rather than a roller clutch, so it is the carrier to look for when your original has a burned band surface, rough pinions or a damaged inner race and a later-style carrier will not match the rest of your early hardware.
The TH400 makes three forward speeds and Reverse with a compound planetary gearset: a reaction carrier in front and an output carrier behind it, sharing one long sun gear. The reaction carrier is the member that gets held. In First, the low one-way clutch inside it keeps the carrier from turning backward against the center support, which forces the gearset to multiply torque. In manual Low and in Reverse, the rear band clamps the smooth outer drum of the carrier to hold it solid. In Second and Third it simply freewheels. On 1964-1965 units that one-way job is done by a sprag, which is why this early carrier is listed separately from the later roller-clutch style that GM shows in its 1975 service manual.
Start with fluid level, linkage and a pressure gauge, because GM's diagnosis chart puts those ahead of any hard part for no-drive and no-Reverse complaints. If pressures are good and the problem stays, pull the pan: fine friction dust points to clutches and bands, while bronze and steel chips point to bushings, thrust washers and pinions. With the gearset out, GM's inspection is the real test. Check the band surface for burning or scoring, the one-way clutch race for wear, every pinion for damage, rough bearings or tilt, and pinion end play, which GM lists at .009 to .024 inch. GM also says that if the carrier bushing is damaged, the carrier has to be replaced. Our TH400 common problems and fixes guide covers the low clutch and drum failures that usually take a carrier with them, and the delayed engagement guide helps separate pressure problems from mechanical ones.
This carrier is listed for 1964 and 1965 TH400 transmissions that use the sprag-type low clutch. If your unit has a roller clutch, as most later transmissions do, this is not the right carrier; the same goes if you are not sure which design you have. Check your unit and compare it to the photo, or send us the year, the vehicle and the transmission ID tag before ordering and we will help you match it. For later transmissions, browse the full TH400 parts collection, where you will also find the TH400 rear output planetary 1964-98 that meshes with this carrier.
| Fits | TH400 1964-1965 |
| Part type | Planetary |
| Condition | Used |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Not as a drop-in. It is built for the early sprag-type low clutch used in 1964 and 1965 transmissions. Later units use a roller clutch, so match your existing carrier and one-way clutch design first or send us your year and transmission ID tag.
It is the front planetary carrier, which GM calls the reaction carrier. The rear band wraps around its outer surface and the low one-way clutch works inside it. The output carrier with the parking pawl lugs sits behind it.
It is a used original part described as very nice and clean. Inspect it before installation the same way you would your own: spin the pinions, check pinion end play and look over the band surface.
Thrust washers and bearings in the gear train, the rear band if it is glazed, and the clutches and seals in a full overhaul. The low one-way clutch must be the early design that matches this carrier.
A Dexron-family automatic transmission fluid. Check the level hot in Park after the road test.
