[Jim Kaekel]

Having literally grown up in a auto transmission shop, I would definitely use Teflon rings when using an aluminum drum. Even when using Teflon, the drum will still wear on the sealing surface, but not as great as if you were using chrome rings. The life of the sealing ring bore will last longer if the drum has been hardcoat anodized, but even that is not a cure all. A friend repaired an aluminum drum for me that was wore heavily by installing a steel sleeve, which eliminated the problem entirely. Like one of the other fellows said, I believe ATI now sells an aluminum drum for the Powerglide with a steel sleeve. Just my .02.