When I was at work the other day my boss showed me a mechanical diode for a 700. Apparently it replaces one of the sprag clutches and is stronger.(obviously) It is a pawl and ratchet type deal and seems to make a lot of noise when freewheeling. Does anyone run one of 'em? Are they really neccessary? I don't really see any advantage to them over the stock clutch. So what's the deal? I had never even heard of them until a week ago.

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82 z28 350cid, vortec heads, comp 262h cam, Holley 600cfm carb, 2in twice pipes, MSD ignition, turbo 350 trans, 3.73 posi, manly b&m megashifter

 

They were used to replace the input sprag. They were stronger than the stock sprag, but their wear characteristics left much to be desired, so in the middle of 1999 Raybestos dropped the mechicanical diode altogether. As of now there are no plans to bring it back.
Hope This Helps!!!