727 shift probs

Dropping the pan doesn't affect the bands. You have a problem that could be front band related so that's why I suggested it. The front band adjustment is located on the driver's side of the trans right above the shift linkage so you can do it without taking the pan off. By your description I think it'd behove you to check it cause if it's loose it could smoke the band and that'd mean a trans rebuild.

btw: when doing a trans service i.e. replace fluid and filter, it's common place to check/adjust the bands on a torqueflite since their not self adjusting.