Jeff's 727 rebuild thread
What convinces me that it is the VB & not the govenor, is when you select D at a stand still, fluid pressure is only directed to the rear (forward) clutch & to no other actuating component. This clutch is connected via the friction plates to the front planetary annulus or ring gear. As 1st gear uses the combined reduction of both planetaries, the rear drum will try to turn in a counter clockwise direction. It is prevented from doing so by the 1 way roller clutch (sprag) This causes the rear planetary annulus to turn clockwise at a reduced speed. The rear annulus is splined to the output shaft which obviously also turns at reduced speed giving 1st gear. To get 2nd gear fluid pressure must be directed to the intermediate (front) servo to apply the band, which is hydraulically impossible when the car is stationary. But we'll see. A hydraulic system can be full of surprises!! I hope I didn't lose you.