Transmission band clamp comparison

[NealW]

Over time, I have been trying to pick up original T era tools to have on hand when I actually need them. Recently I picked up an original Ford 5-Z-445 transmission band clamp. Before getting it, I could tell it was quite different than the reproduced version that the parts suppliers sell. When it came, I was really surprised to see how different it is. The two pictures below show just how different. The original is about twice as thick and has longer fingers. One of the fingers is also 1/4" longer than the other one. I wonder why the maker of the new clamp didn't make a direct copy of the original one. Even the radius is on the opposite side of the fingers.

I've read that the reproduction tool is harder to get out of the way when installing the hogshead and some suggest just using it to hold the bands in place while putting zip ties around the bands and then remove it before starting to put the hogshead on. Has anyone reading this ever used the original Ford band clamp, and if so, how well does it work? Being skinnier, it looks like it may be easier to get out of the opening of the hogshead than the wider reproduced tool.

Thanks,

Neal

[DanTreace]

Neal

Interesting tool, haven't seen a Ford tool for the job of holding the band ears together. Like the shape and the narrow arms, the clipped angle of the arm makes sense for easy placement to force the band ears together.

IMO, that reproduction is very difficult to remove once the hogshead is placed. It is too wide and the square edge at the top really is hard to pull straight out of the inspection cover opening on the hogshead!

Years ago made a tool similar to the one shown in Service Bulletin. Round stock was used, and made it longer length too, the rounded top allowed me to pull it away, but was still a bit hard to do.

The metal type band clip tools for me are just too hard to remove, so they are used to pull the band ears together, and then allows a thin plastic tie straps to be placed, and secured, then removing the metal clip tool. That way only the thin nylon strong tie strap remains, in this case two were laced together for the needed length.

Note how the nylon tie strap remains down low on the band ear, giving access for the pedal shafts to lay in place while the hogshead is dropped. Then before fastening up the hogshead, after fitting the band springs, washers and nuts, the nylon tie is cut and removed easily as being plastic it slips most freely. If some part of the tie strap falls away, no issue, the plastic piece can't hurt the trans. gears

[Dan Hatch]

I use ties too although I use one for each band. Dan

[NealW]

Years ago made a tool similar to the one shown in Service Bulletin.

Thanks for the information Dan. the dimensions for the Ford made clamp are close to the dimensions shown in the service bulletin drawing. The longer arm is 4" long, and the arm dimensions are 3/16" thick x 5/16" wide compared to the 1/4" diameter rod in the drawing. The opening is also a little wider at 2 5/8".