Patent ID: 7770704

Claim:
A universal multiplate torque converter clutch system adapted to replace an original equipment manufacturer torque converter clutch assembly residing within an original equipment manufacturer transmission, wherein the original equipment manufacturer transmission includes an impeller assembly, a turbine hub, a stator assembly, the original equipment manufacturer torque converter clutch assembly, and a front cover arranged in coaxial relation about a longitudinal axis, the original equipment manufacturer torque converter clutch assembly further including a lock-up piston, a turbine, a damper plate assembly having a plurality of damper springs, and at least one clutch plate, the universal multiplate torque converter clutch system comprising: a replacement front cover sized and configured to mate with the impeller assembly at an aft end thereof and to an engine crankshaft at a forward end thereof; a first clutch plate proximate said front cover; a hybrid lock-up piston/damper plate subassembly including at least one drive plate and an external spline member engaged with said first clutch plate; a second clutch plate interposed between said first clutch plate and said hybrid lock-up piston/damper plate subassembly, said second clutch plate coupled to said replacement front cover; and a replacement turbine hub coupled to the turbine, said hybrid lock-up piston/damper plate subassembly, and said replacement front cover.