SB 727 band lever help needed

Since he has no forward gears, I would say there is problem in the rear clutch (forward gear drum). The band only applies when you shift from first to second gear, and then when you shift into third gear the band released and the front clutch (high gear clutch) is applied. So losing the band strut, or band lever shouldn't effect 1st gear or 3rd gear. But to have no forward gears at all, something else is wrong. When in reverse, the low/reverse band is applied and the front clutch is applied. Since it doesn't have reverse either, I would say you have more of an issue than just the band, or band lever. It could be a sealing ring, or lip seal.

When you drop the valve body, I would be doing an "air check" which will help you diagnose the problem. You can find online which holes activate which clutch, and same goes for the front band and low/reverse band. If you do an air check, and you hear clutch packs are leaking excessively, unfortunately the transmission will have to come out and be taken apart.

As far as him doing the burnout in first gear, the big risk there is hurting the sprag if the tires were to bite while under power. Then if the sprag is hurt, when in first gear on the starting line, he floors it, the sprag releases (breaks), and the front drum spins 2.45 times the engine RPM, which causes the stock front drum to explode. If you have a low band apply valve body, that is the best way to help protect the sprag.

Please keep us updated. I am curious to hear what happened but I think you have a bigger problem than the front band.