1979 Avco Motorhome with 440 torque converter

[Fire&Ice]

Hey all, new here and so glad to find a forum that isn't dead! I recently bought an old dodge motorhome with a really good 440, but unsure about transmission. Torque converter had teeth disintegrate after putting a new starter in and I'm trying to get my hands on the right one, wondering if any of you have one or a good source. I know it's non lock up, with the 10in bolt diameter. Will be pulling trans out again tomorrow, as we may have found a replacement with torque converter, but I want to make sure I don't waste my money on another part. Previously purchased a replacement converter that's all the right size (flywheel and bolt pattern), but it's a lock up and the input that slides over the shaft is off by just a hair so it won't fit together. (Sorry about any incorrect terminology, I've never had the pleasure of working on anything this old, but have some decent vehicle knowledge). I have the original manual and some paperwork on the engine, but nothing on the transmission, and I know it's getting harder to find info on these old vehicles. Please let me know if I left out any pertinent information or if you've got some knowledge you can throw my way, I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

[BeepBeepRR]

Wow just the name Avco brings back memories my Mom and Dad had a 28 foot Avco back in 74/75 time period..

You can use a 99 Dodge Dakota mini starter on a 440/727 combo unsure of the torque converter but others will chime in.

This is not ours but looked like this. I have old pictures of the Avco but I was a kid and wouldn't know about the drivetrain.

 

[RemCharger]

Any old bigblock large 727 converter will work. ( lockup aside, as you know)
Sorry, 67 and up.
I thought they were called a Travco?

 

[BeepBeepRR]

Any old bigblock large 727 converter will work. ( lockup aside, as you know)
Sorry, 67 and up.
I thought they were called a Travco?

Its right there on the side this one is on a Cummins F250 frame.

 

[moparedtn]

Its right there on the side this one is on a Cummins F250 frame.
View attachment 1678918

Wow, what a rig!

 

[pnora]

Hey all, new here and so glad to find a forum that isn't dead! I recently bought an old dodge motorhome with a really good 440, but unsure about transmission. Torque converter had teeth disintegrate after putting a new starter in and I'm trying to get my hands on the right one, wondering if any of you have one or a good source. I know it's non lock up, with the 10in bolt diameter. Will be pulling trans out again tomorrow, as we may have found a replacement with torque converter, but I want to make sure I don't waste my money on another part. Previously purchased a replacement converter that's all the right size (flywheel and bolt pattern), but it's a lock up and the input that slides over the shaft is off by just a hair so it won't fit together. (Sorry about any incorrect terminology, I've never had the pleasure of working on anything this old, but have some decent vehicle knowledge). I have the original manual and some paperwork on the engine, but nothing on the transmission, and I know it's getting harder to find info on these old vehicles. Please let me know if I left out any pertinent information or if you've got some knowledge you can throw my way, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Just replace the starter ring on the converter.

 

[Fire&Ice]

Looked up the 99 Dakota, I think that's the same model as the one that we had picked up, but it's the lockup style and missing the weight the original has. Took them both to a guy that's been rebuilding them almost 25 years, but he doesn't have a good donor for the starter ring replacement. I believe Avco was bought out by Travco a few years after this model.

 

[OKDart]

The lockup converter has one more (or less?) spline count than a non lock up. I've replaced a ring gear on a fly wheel (press fit), but I think on a torque converter it gets welded and then balanced. There is probably a torque converter shop near you, I found one near me a couple years ago, $125 with exchange.

 

[GTXDAN]

I have one of those torque converters you can have for free that came off of my motorhome 440. It was externally balanced too and has the weight on it. Don't have any use for it as my motor is internally balanced now with a stroker crank. I'm south of Atlanta, GA.

 

[Fire&Ice]

I have one of those torque converters you can have for free that came off of my motorhome 440. It was externally balanced too and has the weight on it. Don't have any use for it as my motor is internally balanced now with a stroker crank. I'm south of Atlanta, GA.

I would be so unbelievably thankful for that. Do you know year specifics? And what would you charge me for shipping?

 

[GTXDAN]

It was from a 77 model motor home. Shipping I have no idea.

 

[kreauto]

Hey all, new here and so glad to find a forum that isn't dead! I recently bought an old dodge motorhome with a really good 440, but unsure about transmission. Torque converter had teeth disintegrate after putting a new starter in and I'm trying to get my hands on the right one, wondering if any of you have one or a good source. I know it's non lock up, with the 10in bolt diameter. Will be pulling trans out again tomorrow, as we may have found a replacement with torque converter, but I want to make sure I don't waste my money on another part. Previously purchased a replacement converter that's all the right size (flywheel and bolt pattern), but it's a lock up and the input that slides over the shaft is off by just a hair so it won't fit together. (Sorry about any incorrect terminology, I've never had the pleasure of working on anything this old, but have some decent vehicle knowledge). I have the original manual and some paperwork on the engine, but nothing on the transmission, and I know it's getting harder to find info on these old vehicles. Please let me know if I left out any pertinent information or if you've got some knowledge you can throw my way, I'd greatly appreciate it.

I know this is not on subject. If you are not keeping the wheels off your Avco I will buy all 6.

 

[RemCharger]

I know this is not on subject. If you are not keeping the wheels off your Avco I will buy all 6.

I believe the rear drums are somewhat of a rare piece as well

 

[kreauto]

I believe the rear drums are somewhat of a rare piece as well

The wheels are a perfect fit for the 47 Ford F1 1 1/2 ton truck and they are tubeless unlike the 20” split rims that I have.

 

[GTXDAN]

We apparently lost the poster as I made a deal with him and shipped him my converter (which took a lot of work to box a converter for shipping) but he paid what I asked no problem, but not a peep since. No thanks, it worked great or anything. Guess he got what he wanted.

 

[kreauto]

We apparently lost the poster as I made a deal with him and shipped him my converter (which took a lot of work to box a converter for shipping) but he paid what I asked no problem, but not a peep since. No thanks, it worked great or anything. Guess he got what he wanted.

I hate boxing steering boxes also. I know how much pain it is to do anything heavy like that.

 

[eldubb440]

Wow just the name Avco brings back memories my Mom and Dad had a 28 foot Avco back in 74/75 time period..

You can use a 99 Dodge Dakota mini starter on a 440/727 combo unsure of the torque converter but others will chime in.

This is not ours but looked like this. I have old pictures of the Avco but I was a kid and wouldn't know about the drivetrain.

View attachment 1678832

looks very aerodynamic

 

[BeepBeepRR]

looks very aerodynamic

It was a brick on wheels but it was the only Motorhome at the time that would fit a wheelchair through the door. I think it had a 32 inch door. Might have been 36 I cant remember but I was a kid then so....