Chrysler TorqueFlite A-904 & A-727: How to Rebuild

by Tom Hand

Overview

Rebuild your Chrysler TorqueFlite A-904 or A-727 transmission so that it operates as smoothly as it did when it drove off the showroom floor.

Author Tom Hand shares his decades of experience rebuilding TorqueFlite transmissions with chapters dedicated to troubleshooting, disassembly and reassembly, performance modifications, post-installation procedures, and the most thorough source guide offered in print, ever.

The A-904 and A-727, debuting in 1960 and 1962, respectively, are 3-speed automatic Chrysler TorqueFlite transmissions. In Mopar circles, they have become synonymous with strength, durability, and performance. In fact, 43 years after its first application, A-904s were still found in the Jeep lineup! While TorqueFlites are known for their dependability, many have endured a tremendous amount of abuse over 50-plus years when hooked up to V-8 Mopar powerplants. There is little doubt that some of these automatics could be prone to failure, or at least need a thorough rebuild.

This book will keep money in your pocket and add experience to your resume, but more importantly, it will help you get your Mopar back on the road!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613253359
Publisher:	CarTech
Publication date:	10/04/2017
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	1,103,422
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Tom Hand has been reworking TorqueFlites since 1978. Hand has built, raced, and written about TorqueFlites and was fortunate to have grown up in a drag racing family as the eldest son of the famed Pontiac expert Jim Hand. Because of the family's Pontiac connections, he also has experience working on GM's T-400, T-350s, 700-R4s, and T-200 automatics. Toss in the occasional Ford C4 and C6 transmissions and Tom was fortunate to have learned about and worked on the best.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction

Chapter 1: History, Identification and Evolution of the A-904 and A-727 TorqueFlite
The Manufacturing Facility
Identification
Production Numbers and Transmission Identification
Evolution of the TorqueFlite A-904 and A-727

Chapter 2: TorqueFlite Components and Operation
The Components
The TorqueFlite in Operation

Chapter 3: Troubleshooting
Fluid Level
Shift Linkage
Throttle Pressure Linkage
Road Testing
Hydraulic Pressure Testing
Air Pressure Testing
Torque Converter Stall Testing
Noise Identification
Leaks
Summary

Chapter 4: Transmission Disassembly
General Safety
Tools, Chemicals and Miscellaneous Supplies
The Work Area
Cleaning for Disassembly and Inspection
Tearing It Down
Removing Subassemblies

Chapter 5: Component Preparation
Oil Pump
Front Clutch
Rear Clutch
Overrunning Clutch
Planetary Gear Assembly
Kickdown Servo and Band
Low-Reverse Servo and Band
Output Shaft, Governor and Parking Gear

Chapter 6: Control Valve Body Preparation
Pressure Control and Regulation Valves
Disassembly
Check Balls, Pressure Regulators, Transfer and Separator Plate, Lock-Up Valve Assembly or Stiffener and Filter
Shuttle Valve and Governor Plugs
Manual Lever and Throttle Pressure Lever
Shift Valves and Regulator Valve
Reassembly
Shift Valves and Regulator
Manual Lever and Throttle Pressure Lever
Shuttle Valve and Governor Plugs
Check Balls, Pressure Regulators, Transfer and Separator Plate, Lock-Up Valve Assembly or Stiffener and Filter

Chapter 7: Assembly
Subassembly Installation Tips and Pre-Assembly Tests
Air Checking Clutch Assemblies before Installation
Miscellaneous Component Preparation
Overrunning Clutch
Low-Reverse Servo
Low-Reverse Anchor, Band and Drum: A-904
Low-Reverse Anchor, Band and Drum: A-727
Planetary Gear Assemblies, Sun Gear and Sun Gear Driving Shell
Kickdown Servo
Front and Rear Clutch Retainer
Kickdown Band
Oil Pump
Extension Housing
Air Checking Assemblies
Accumulator, Valve Body, Levers, Filter, Switch and Pan
Post-Install Procedure

Chapter 8: The Torque Converter
Torque Converter Basics
Details of a Continuous Cycle
Factors That Affect Converter Operation
Converter Issues
Factory Converters
Aftermarket Converters
Selecting a Converter

Chapter 9: Performance Modifications
Why Modify?
TorqueFlite Strengths
Modification Parts
Shift Modification Kits or Complete Valve Bodies
TorqueFlite Specialty Internal Part Upgrades
Friction Upgrades
Bands, Levers and Struts
Complete Overhaul Sets

Appendix A: TorqueFlite Transmission Numbers
Appendix B: Troubleshooting Charts, Data and Specifications
Appendix C: Performance Modifications and Suggestions

Source Guide

Editorial Reviews

"... thorough and well-illustrated."

Muscle Car Review

"... we are seriously impressed."

Mopar Collector's Guide

"Tom covers everything from A-to-Z and does it with clarity."

Mopar Connection magazine - Mike Wilkins

In all, this is an excellent work that is very informative, one which targets the performance and restoration enthusiast, instead of sounding like a service manual aimed at factory-trained technicians. If you’re contemplating a trip inside a TorqueFlite, this book is your companion.

Hemmings Muscle Machines - Terry McGean