904 questions

[Mark Barnes]

I have a 273/904 combination in the Belvedere. I knew before I bought it that the trans was funky, but had no idea what the issue was. Still don't. Got it home and tried to drive it, it kinda shudders and feels like any power isn't making it to the back wheels. Thought I would try to rebuild it, just so I can move it around, get it back and forth to the spring guy, etc. before THAT motor and trans comes out.
Found this kit and wondered if this will be sufficient to do a decent job on this trans? (https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=5897298&cc=1328611)
Only need it to be in stock form. Would it be worth it to install a shift kit while I had it out, and do you think this one will do the job?
TransGo A904 TF6 Torqueflite 6 SKTFSC Shift Kit 1960-On TF Six 999 30 31 32 RH

Disclaimer **I know just enough about automatics to screw it up if I'm not careful**. (That's why I'm asking these questions).

 

[493 Mike]

Yes that kit should handle your needs. I wouldn't go with a shift kit. Those early models shifted fine. Until the marketing guys got involved and wanted "smooth" shifts-it all went downhill from then. If you have any questions we can answer them, don't be shy!
Mike

 

[jeepthrills01]

Stupid questions first...
1. is the fluid topped up? They get real grumpy unless theres enough fluid or a blocked filter.

2. Have you adjusted the bands?

In addition to the rebuild kit...your going to need a converter..so add another 200 for that.

Since it's a short time use till your other engine/tranny go in....it would be much more economical to rent a uhaul trailer for the moving it around than spending almost 400 bucks plus all the aggravation of rebuilding it since your not real comfortable doing it...and that transgo kit is to adjust how your tranny shifts...not operates. You are having an operational problem. I'd start with checking the fluid ( warmed up and in Neutral not Park)....then drop the pan and adjust bands, new filter, fluid...and see what you got.

Just my $.02

 

[Curiousyellow71]

Pretty common to have the rings on the front pump damaged where it seals to the front drum...the pump struggles 2 build pressure. Probably seen that on more 727s though then 904s. If you are pulling it short order... not sure I'd take time for a shift kit unless your planning on reusing it. Maybe add a quart...see if anything changes...make sure your checking the level in neutral.

 

[Mark Barnes]

Stupid questions first...
1. is the fluid topped up? They get real grumpy unless theres enough fluid or a blocked filter.

2. Have you adjusted the bands?

In addition to the rebuild kit...your going to need a converter..so add another 200 for that.

Since it's a short time use till your other engine/tranny go in....it would be much more economical to rent a uhaul trailer for the moving it around than spending almost 400 bucks plus all the aggravation of rebuilding it since your not real comfortable doing it...and that transgo kit is to adjust how your tranny shifts...not operates. You are having an operational problem. I'd start with checking the fluid ( warmed up and in Neutral not Park)....then drop the pan and adjust bands, new filter, fluid...and see what you got.

Just my $.02

Thanks for reminding me about the bands. Never even crossed my mind. So that's the first approach- fluid levels, then adjust bands. Hopefully I can try it tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[Mark Barnes]

Pretty common to have the rings on the front pump damaged where it seals to the front drum...the pump struggles 2 build pressure. Probably seen that on more 727s though then 904s. If you are pulling it short order... not sure I'd take time for a shift kit unless your planning on reusing it. Maybe add a quart...see if anything changes...make sure your checking the level in neutral.

Thanks. I'm thinking I'll have to pull the trans sooner than later, but I'm gonna try the easy stuff first. Maybe I'll get lucky...for the first time in my life.Maybe it's just me, but did ya ever notice if it's between a cheap, easy fix, and a gigantic PITA, it's always the second option?

 

[jeepthrills01]

Since you have to drop the pan anyway to get to the other band adjustment anyway...might was well grab a filter and about 5 or so qts of fresh fluid.

I like to try the 30 dollar option before the 400 dollar option...especially with it getting changed out anyway....even if it dosent work...you get some practice adjusting which you will use again on your 727.

 

[wyrmrider]

have you read the stickie
The shift kit helps on a working trans
one big thing is the valve which allows cooler flow in park and charges the system, you cn also check trans level in park
you can DIY that shift kit but I always get the larger "reprogramming kit" and build to TF2 Tow and Go
if you do not have "part throttle kickdown" grab a later valve body
If building for HD use find an A999 core and build that
lots of good tips above
use the -4 Mopar approved fluid- actually quite cost effective stuff even with no converter clutch (temp range and durability for two)

 

[jeepthrills01]

I have a 273/904 combination in the Belvedere. I knew before I bought it that the trans was funky, but had no idea what the issue was. Still don't. Got it home and tried to drive it, it kinda shudders and feels like any power isn't making it to the back wheels. Thought I would try to rebuild it, just so I can move it around, get it back and forth to the spring guy, etc. before THAT motor and trans comes out.
.

if you do not have "part throttle kickdown" grab a later valve body
If building for HD use find an A999 core and build that

Hes just doing it to use it as a yard goat..and to a few specialty shops. Apparently theres a big block in this cars future.

 

[wyrmrider]

just grab a core from pick and pull 40% OFF SALE

 

[jeepthrills01]

just grab a core from pick and pull 40% OFF SALE

Now that's easy..lol

 

[Mark Barnes]

Now that's easy..lol

Thee was one on Craigslist 5 miles from my house, but I couldn't get to it quick enough....

 

[jeepthrills01]

I'd still do the fluid filter and bands...that's probably why the PO stopped driving it...a little adjustment and you may be right as rain.....youd be surprised how little most people know about maintaining a vehicle.

 

[Rusty 72]

I'd still do the fluid filter and bands...that's probably why the PO stopped driving it...a little adjustment and you may be right as rain.....youd be surprised how little most people know about maintaining a vehicle.

I agree with this. When I got my 904 it wouldn't even roll. Turns out the kickdown band was tightened all the way? Apparently the previous owner started reading the adjustment of tighten all the way...and then just quit reading.

 

[dvw]

The band have ZERO to do with the fact it shudders going forward. New fluid will do ZERO as well. If the fluid is full, the trans is worn out. The only one possibility is that it has so much worn material that the filter is plugged. For a yard rat? Drain it and save as much of the old fluid you can. Does the filter look caked with crap? Clean the pan. Replace the filter. Pour the old fluid back in.You might get lucky. If not this will probably have enough parts to get it going. But it'll require removal and disassembly.
Doug
https://www.transmissionpartsonline...t.php?TransPartsOnline=904&TransPartsType=904

MASTER KIT LESS STEELS TF-6 A904, A998, A999 72-98 (5 DIRECT FRICTIONS, 4 FORWARD FRICTIONS) more>>
Item #AR125A-LS

 

[Mark Barnes]

The band have ZERO to do with the fact it shudders going forward. New fluid will do ZERO as well. If the fluid is full, the trans is worn out. The only one possibility is that it has so much worn material that the filter is plugged. For a yard rat? Drain it and save as much of the old fluid you can. Does the filter look caked with crap? Clean the pan. Replace the filter. Pour the old fluid back in.You might get lucky. If not this will probably have enough parts to get it going. But it'll require removal and disassembly.
Doug

 

[Mark Barnes]

Doug-
You nailed it. I got under the car today and tried to adjust the bands. They really weren't too far off.
Pulled the pan and filter....uh-oh. Grey metallic dust looking sediment on the botton of the pan, with a few pieces of small unidentifiable pieces of aluminum. Filter had thin, brown chunky stuff on top, which I assume is friction material from the bands. No....don't say it....!!!
***I WOULD HAVE TAKEN PICS, BUT I WAS COVERED IN FREAKIN ATF!!!***
Don't worry, my Carhartt soaked most of it up. Anyway, I'll be buying the referenced rebuild kit and trying to turn this trans into something I can actually use. Thanks for the great info.

 

[Mark Barnes]

The band have ZERO to do with the fact it shudders going forward. New fluid will do ZERO as well. If the fluid is full, the trans is worn out. The only one possibility is that it has so much worn material that the filter is plugged. For a yard rat? Drain it and save as much of the old fluid you can. Does the filter look caked with crap? Clean the pan. Replace the filter. Pour the old fluid back in.You might get lucky. If not this will probably have enough parts to get it going. But it'll require removal and disassembly.
Doug
Hate to sound dumb, but I went to the link you listed, looked at Master rebuild kits, and I don't see one for anything earlier than '72. Are these still compatible with '67 transmissions?
https://www.transmissionpartsonline...t.php?TransPartsOnline=904&TransPartsType=904

MASTER KIT LESS STEELS TF-6 A904, A998, A999 72-98 (5 DIRECT FRICTIONS, 4 FORWARD FRICTIONS) more>>
Item #AR125A-LS