TF727 only first gear and reverse. Help

[jonnis]

Hi everyone,

I just finished my first rebuild of an 727 transmission (1973 model). First gear works well in both “1”, “2” and “D” positions, and reverse is also fine.

However, when it shifts into second gear at around 25 mph, it feels like the transmission goes into neutral—unless I give it quite a bit of throttle.

I installed a TransGo TF-2 shift kit during the rebuild. I tested both the front and rear clutch drums with compressed air, as well as both servos—everything seemed to function properly.

One thing I found unusual: the accumulator had no spring when I opened the transmission, so I reassembled it the same way—without a spring.

I added about 9.5 quarts of ATF, and the dipstick reads full.

For context, the reason I rebuilt the transmission was it was slipping in all forward gears, clutches severely burnt.

Are these assumptions correct?

Both clutch drums and rear band should work when I have both first in all positions and reverse?

Governor is possibly not stuck as it shifts out of first to engage second, so that leaves that something is wrong in the valve body? (Second gear band was adjusted 2.5 turnes back from snug and servo worked great when checking with air)

kickdown adjusted all the way back at WOT


Any ideas what might be causing this second and possible third gear issue?

 

[66 Monaco 500 365]

The first thing, the kick down should not be at the limit at full throttle, start out with it relaxed at idle.
First gear uses the forward clutch and the rear sprag unless you are in manual 1st, then it applies the rear band to allow for engine braking.
second gear uses the forward clutch and the intermediate band
High uses the forward clutch and the high clutch
reverse uses the rear band and the high clutch
first and reverse uses almost everything in the trans
I think the trans thinks you are at close to full throttle and in "passing gear" all the time
first gear will accelerate the car until you back off, then the motor will drop to idle, unless you have the shifter in 1st
I bet you did everything correctly except the kickdown adjustment.

 

[MoPar~Man]

I added about 9.5 quarts of ATF, and the dipstick reads full.

It that a stock pan or a deep pan? External oil cooler? Everything I read says 8 quarts if filled from empty (including empty TC). You're supposed to check it when idling in neutral. Parked with the engine off (or running) it will show low on the dipstick. Maybe you over-filled it?

Kickdown lever should follow your throttle position, from idle to WOT. Full range of kickdown lever should match the full range of throttle position.

 

[CBODY67]

There are two ways to get "low gear". Manual Low, as in "1" and automatic low (termed "Breakaway" in the fluid schematics in the FSM) in "D". Not sure about in the position "2". The Low and Reverse band is applied in "1".

No spring in the accumulator? Many shift kits, including the Mopar Perf kits, recommend leaving that spring out so the shift happens a bit firmer rather than the spring cushioning it. No problem it not being there.

Please keep us posted on your progress.
CBODY67

 

[jonnis]

I tried to unhook the kickdown lever for a short test, still won’t engage second gear only release first so that I “coast in neutral”

 

[jonnis]

Update, I did another small test trip this time I pushed her to 43 mph in first and it engaged 3rd gear so now I’m only missing second

 

[CBODY67]

Just curious . . . have you looked at the color schematic and related "Apply" "On" "Off" chart in the FSM?

Otherwise, you might need to purchase a transmission pressure gauge to check the pressures from the taps on the rh side of the trans case.

I'm suspecting this is a valve body issue. Springs for the shuttle valves all in place? Any wear on the shuttle valve "ridges"? ALL check balls in their appointed locations, according to the FSM? AND all "seats" for the check balls in good condition?

JUST asking questions. No more, no less.

CBODY67

 

[MONC440]

What did you adjust your second gear band to? Should have been about 80 inch pounds then 2.5 turns out? if you have 1st and it misses 2nd and hits 3rd second gear band is an issue.