Modify center plate to accept tabbed washers?

[arieck]

Almost finished with my rebuild and I'm noticing that many T20's have a center plate with a cut out to accept a tabbed thrust washer. Neither my old scarred up one, nor the good condition center plate I got from Drew are machined to accept these tabbed washers and just use regular old flat washers. Don't know if this means my T20 is super old or what, but the rebuild kit only has the tabbed washers.

I saw someone mention filing down or otherwise removing material from the center plate to accept the tabbed style. Is this a good idea or should I just button it up with the flat washers again? If cutting down, is there anything special to line up or watch our for?

Thanks,
Adam

[thebuggyman1]

cut the groove out for the tab...it is a superior design.

[msafi65]

buggyman is right on, the tab washer doesn't spin. I've had center supports ruined by washer failure after spinning and wearing out. I now do them in a mill but have also done many with the side of a large flat file. cut the slots in line with the 1/2"holes in plate.