Re: Welding Thrust on Cast Crank?
 

Some of the reasons you get Thrust bearing wear or failure is due to Converter ballooning . Two things to check ,one is the pull up on the converter and two, the maximum line pressure the transmission makes . If the converter does not have enough pull up and the shell balloons , the converter neck can bottom out on the pump gears and force the crank forward . Also if the converter charge pressure is high , this causes a force at the converter neck , the bigger diameter the neck is the greater the force .

Re: Welding Thrust on Cast Crank?
 

Yes, cranks can be welded on. As noted here, it is an involved process and thus expensive. Billet or cast it can be done, but metallurgy understanding and process QC are critical. It would leave you with a set thrust washer height too which may be good or bad in your application. Thrust washers can be bought in all dimensions, ID, OD and thickness. Whether listed specifically for Dodge, Ford, or GM or from a bearing company for industrial use. Material, heat treat and thus load handling are the issues to watch for. Oversize height thrust washers can be sanded down to proper thickness or taken to a machine shop with a surface grinder. All that being said, the welding on of a thrust washer may be treating the symptom and not the causing issue.

Can't say without being there nor do I claim to be an expert on race engine & trans systems. I do work as a gear design engineer and have held quality jobs and running a prototype machine shop in the past. NOT claiming to be an expert on that either, just giving my background to put my response in context.I would be curious to see what you end up doing and if it solves the issue(s) you are having.

Re: Welding Thrust on Cast Crank?
 

We were going through 360 thrust bearings every 10 passes.
Like you, had a small investment in the crank.
Sent it to Ohio Crankshaft & had it repaired.
Killed it in 10 passes.
Wasn't a concern with the crank repair.
Found the convertor snout was bottoming out in the crankshaft.
The mounting lugs were .015 away from the flex plate.
Changed convertors & never had the problem again.

Re: Welding Thrust on Cast Crank?
 

I have been through exactly those issues before as well.

I try to maintain at least 060 on flexplate to pads.
i really think the two steps on the start are not helping matters!

Re: Welding Thrust on Cast Crank?
 

The new car we just bought has a 2 step.
My Son doesn't like it, so he doesn't use it.