November 07, 2014
GM Compensator Feed System
Brian Wing
GM 6L80 and 6L90 transmissions often suffer failure of the 4-5-6 clutch assembly due to OE design shortcomings. Insufficient clutch piston-to-plate apply surface area causes clutch plate failure, especially when apply pressures exceed OE specifications. The other problem is flexing and bowing of the backing plate (coning), which is a primary source of clutch failure.
The heavy duty Sonnax 4-5-6 clutch apply piston kit 104960-01K addresses these weak areas in two ways:
The Sonnax apply ring increases surface area between the apply piston and OE waved clutch plate, resulting in more even distribution of apply force to clutch plates. The Sonnax backing plate minimizes flexing/bowing when clutch is applied, drastically reducing the likelihood of clutch plate distortion.
OEM frictions are about .063" thick, and OEM steels are about .086" thick. Clutch capacity is 6 frictions for the 6L80 and 7 frictions for the 6L90.
November 07, 2014
Brian Wing
March 08, 2023
Jim Mobley