The gauze filter in a Torqueflite is so great that you can allow all kinds of trash in one as long as you keep it clean around the valve body and governor. The old Fords with screens instead of filters were the ones that required the utmost cleanliness. They even had access holes in the tailshaft housing and recommended removing the governor every 20k for cleaning. I think the biggest fear inducer around the TF is the seal that goes around the outside of the pump; which causes diddiculty for the pump to be pulled out and pushed back in. I always leave it off until I get my end play where I want it.
