1965 904A modification.

I check the endplay before I take it apart so that I know how much more thrust washer I need to tighten it up to around .020. Most of the times, I reassemble TFs with all the original hard parts and thrust washers. Maybe a thicker button one between the shafts, or add to the pump. Sometimes I get lucky and only have to put it together once. But it's usually three times. You can avoid most problems by keeping the input shaft, forward drum, and pump all together. By all means, get rid of that old converter. Use V8 guts because the drums have the retainer ring groove cut higher to fit in more clutches. Often you can use a forward clutch bottom ridged plate as the top plate to gain one more friction in both drums...3 to 4...but not 4 to 5; usually. My trans parts supplier only charges $6 for each forward clutch bottom ridged plate.