modify 65 column dual cable shift for later single shift 904

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briwill70

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I've got a 65 Dart that I bought with a bad transmission. I bought a later model 904 that has been rebuilt not knowing the difference in the shift linkage. I know I could use a aftermarket floor shifter but Has anyone modified the column cable shift to work with the later style 904?
 
Is the transmission a slip yoke type?
I'm working on a 65 Valiant that will get a slip yoke 904. I'm using a 66 Valiant/Dart steering column and linkage.
 
Is the transmission a slip yoke type?
I'm working on a 65 Valiant that will get a slip yoke 904. I'm using a 66 Valiant/Dart steering column and linkage.
^^ This is the way to go. When looking for a column, make sure it matches your application: power or manual steering. They are different.
Also be aware of the convertor snout mismatch with the crankshaft recess if you still have the original '65 engine and your new 904 is '68 or newer. (The '65 convertor won't work on the newer 904, either.)
 
Is the transmission a slip yoke type?
I'm working on a 65 Valiant that will get a slip yoke 904. I'm using a 66 Valiant/Dart steering column and linkage.
Yes, has the slip yolk type. I had already planned to modify the drive shaft.
 
^^ This is the way to go. When looking for a column, make sure it matches your application: power or manual steering. They are different.
Also be aware of the convertor snout mismatch with the crankshaft recess if you still have the original '65 engine and your new 904 is '68 or newer. (The '65 convertor won't work on the newer 904, either.)

I didn't know about that. Is there a way to tell from looking at it or will the converter just not fit? Don't know what year the trans is.
 
I didn't know about that. Is there a way to tell from looking at it or will the converter just not fit? Don't know what year the trans is.
The size of the hub on the converter matches the recess on the center of the back of the crank. Later units has a larger hub/recess. You can use an early converter in a later engine with a spacer ring. I did this in a 65 Barracuda I sold in 2015.
65.JPG
 
The snout (pilot) of the torque convertor fits into a recess in the crankshaft flange. This diameter is approx. 1.5" on early transmissions, and 1.8ish (working off memory here) on later convertors/flanges. This means the later convertors will not physically fit the early crank flanges. There is also a different input shaft spline count between the early and late 904s which prevents the early convertor from being used on the later trans. A custom convertor could be built, but for that kind of money I would seriously consider rebuilding your original transmission, and being able to avoid swapping columns and linkages and driveshafts... This is of course provided all those components are in good shape on your car (some replacements can be difficult to source). Sell your later trans to recoup some of the rebuilding cost, and you will have saved $$ on the other parts you won't need to change. Again, provided everything is in good shape. Just my opinion, and assuming you're keeping everything mostly stock. Good luck!​
 
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Pull in and out on your old trans input shaft to see how loose it is. Then drop the valve body, remove the front band adjuster, remove pump bolts and gently pry between the front drum and sun gear shell to push the pump out. Spray wd40 around the front of the pump first. When the band and drums fall out, 95% of your trans problem is in that pile.
 
What was the old transmission doing wrong?
Not sure. The previous owner had it on jack stands for 5-6 years. He never drove it and claimed that it would not shift out of park. He pulled the linkage/pan and said something fell out. He did not know where the broken part was so I was not sure where to start fixing it. I've since pulled the trans and its sitting on my garage floor.
 
Post pics of it from the bottom and somebody on here could help you figure out how to get it together. Cutting a new driveshaft and changing the colume around is a nightmare compared to fixing a 904.
 
I'd like to know if anyone has modified a 65 column too.
I've got a 65 Dart that I bought with a bad transmission. I bought a later model 904 that has been rebuilt not knowing the difference in the shift linkage. I know I could use a aftermarket floor shifter but Has anyone modified the column cable shift to work with the later style 904?
 
Not sure. The previous owner had it on jack stands for 5-6 years. He never drove it and claimed that it would not shift out of park. He pulled the linkage/pan and said something fell out. He did not know where the broken part was so I was not sure where to start fixing it. I've since pulled the trans and its sitting on my garage floor.
If it would not shift out of park, it could easily be a problem in the cable linkage and not in the trans. at all. But now there's parts missing, so it's time to get on top of this and figure out what the problem actually is. Post photos like CudaFactHackJob said and try to get an idea what fell out. Check the shift cables, make sure they're intact and move freely when you move the shift lever. Find out what you've got to deal with and then make decisions and move on from there.
 
Was there much debris or residue in the bottom of the pan? What color was the fluid? I'm thinking an easy fix.
 
Was there much debris or residue in the bottom of the pan? What color was the fluid? I'm thinking an easy fix.
I don't see anything that indicates a burnt out transmission. I suspect something broke in the shift mechanism or the parking lock mechanism. Also noticed that the throttle position lever (kickdown) moves without any resistance like it's not attached to anything at the other end. I will look later and take pics of the internals.
 
Now I need to figure out what it's called and where to get one. I assume I need to pull the valve body to replace?
 
Pull in and out on your old trans input shaft to see how loose it is. Then drop the valve body, remove the front band adjuster, remove pump bolts and gently pry between the front drum and sun gear shell to push the pump out. Spray wd40 around the front of the pump first. When the band and drums fall out, 95% of your trans problem is in that pile.
Was there much debris or residue in the bottom of the pan? What color was the fluid? I'm thinking an easy fix.
Found the problem but don't know where to find the part. Kickdown shaft? Do you happen to know what this is called and where to find one?
 
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