904 questions - where is my 904 experts

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Syleng1

Syleng1

Karma is real and Life is short...
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So in that 66’ barracuda with the heavily modified 273 I finished a bit ago. I decided to pull the engine back out after 300miles and get the back of the crank turned to accept the larger 904 converter nub (machine shop forgot to do that when they built the engine but they are making good now it’s winter) and now I need the input shaft replaced in that 66’ trans.

On the 1966 904- factory to my Barracuda when I replace the input shaft to the 27 spline, so I also need to swap the pump and the front clutch retainer or is it just a swap of the input shaft? I’ve read thru hours of search questions and I’ve yet to see anyone talk about it other than suggestion of it. It’s not hard but I’m trying to pick what donor tranny from my pile to use and the more I need in parts the less options I have lol! Some are smoked. LOL!
Thanks!
Joe
 
Side question- what transmission gasket kit should I buy when I do this swap? 66-71 a-904 or 72-78+ a-904
Thanks!
Syleng1
 
Just get a 71 later 904 for the right input shaft and it will also have part throttle kickdown. PK360000and higher.
 
When I do my cable shifted 904's, I just change everything from the output shaft forward, (except for the planetaries, and shell), from a V8 trans. That usually gives you the larger clutch pack, and stay with the correct bushings and seals, from the same year trans (not some item from one year, and some from another year). I don't know about a 66 trans, but be aware you cannot swap in the low gear set, on the 65 down, trans.
 
Thanks Guys.
The trans was rebuilt already -300miles and the need for more stall is forcing my hand on the input shaft after the engine was taken back apart to open up the crank shaft.
I really don’t want to change the trans out with newer…. Not because I don’t recognize the complete benefits but I recognize the cost associated with rebuilding another 904 and the chances a 66’904 rebuilt will ever get used again is slim to non. I’m just trying to make what I have work after the fact (a well rebuilt 66 a-904)
 
Syleng1 said:
Thanks Guys.
The trans was rebuilt already -300miles and the need for more stall is forcing my hand on the input shaft after the engine was taken back apart to open up the crank shaft.
I really don’t want to change the trans out with newer…. Not because I don’t recognize the complete benefits but I recognize the cost associated with rebuilding another 904 and the chances a 66’904 rebuilt will ever get used again is slim to non. I’m just trying to make what I have work after the fact (a well rebuilt 66 a-904)
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Using a later trans does have some benefits, and should not cost that much more to rebuild, then upgrading your trans. The only reason I modify the cable shifted 904's, is because, I want to keep the push button shifter, and my 6 cyl 904's only have 3 clutches.
PS: I have the small crank pilot, but have my converter built with the small pilot, and the later large splines.
 
Charrlie_S said:
Using a later trans does have some benefits, and should not cost that much more to rebuild, then upgrading your trans. The only reason I modify the cable shifted 904's, is because, I want to keep the push button shifter, and my 6 cyl 904's only have 3 clutches.
PS: I have the small crank pilot, but have my converter built with the small pilot, and the later large splines.
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Hey- the 66 904 is not cable shift.
 
Syleng1 said:
Hey- the 66 904 is not cable shift.
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Yes, I know. Cable shift 904, 1960-1965. I was stating the only reason I upgrade the cable shift trans, is to keep the pushbutton (1964) shifter. Otherwise I would just use the later (68 or newer) trans.
 
Charrlie_S said:
Yes, I know. Cable shift 904, 1960-1965. I was stating the only reason I upgrade the cable shift trans, is to keep the pushbutton (1964) shifter. Otherwise I would just use the later (68 or newer) trans.
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Sorry - I read that the wrong way. I read too fast for my own good.
Comprehend is 90% of reading the last 10% is imagination.
 
CudaFactHackJob said:
So....you think you can just change the input shaft? Who is going to do that? A transmission mechanic...
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Not to sound ignorant but who is this addressed too? I’ve rebuilt a lot of transmissions in my life. I’m just looking to see what other piece I should or need to swap along with the shaft.
 
You. If you're doing it yourself, what's the big deal to take it apart and see what's needed? With all the different input shafts, drums and pumps that could fit into a 904, you might have one of at least two that I can think of asfaras a two ring or three ring for openers. If the drum has a ring then the input shaft has to match I do believe. OTOH you could just change both, but then you'd have to change the pump as well. So...it might not be as simple as changing the shaft alone; and if you also have to change the drum (depending on what you have on hand) you will have to change the pump as well...at that point, maybe a later model trans with the ptk, since you might have to use so many parts from a donor trans and trash so many from your original trans. AND....maybe just sell your trans to somebody who needs one to fit their early size crank. They're kinda rare. At the risk of repeating myself...just don't want to proofread it again...
 
CudaFactHackJob said:
You. If you're doing it yourself, what's the big deal to take it apart and see what's needed? With all the different input shafts, drums and pumps that could fit into a 904, you might have one of at least two that I can think of asfaras a two ring or three ring for openers. If the drum has a ring then the input shaft has to match I do believe. OTOH you could just change both, but then you'd have to change the pump as well. So...it might not be as simple as changing the shaft alone; and if you also have to change the drum (depending on what you have on hand) you will have to change the pump as well...at that point, maybe a later model trans with the ptk, since you might have to use so many parts from a donor trans and trash so many from your original trans. AND....maybe just sell your trans to somebody who needs one to fit their early size crank. They're kinda rare. At the risk of repeating myself...just don't want to proofread it again...
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Gotcha! Thanks for the input. As you may be right on the rebuilt 904 66-67 only. I just hate to loose it because it’s numbers matching. (Something I’ve yet to disclose)
 
Charrlie_S said:
Sorry to disillusion you, but there is no such thing as "numbers matching" before 1968. Only correct date code.
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Thanks. You’re not disillusioned me at all. The trans and the engine can all be proved back to the original car. I have all paperwork for the car back to 1966 when she was bought new. Numbers mean nothing as far as I am concerned - but I’d rather keep it all together if I can as it means something to others if I ever sell it.
 
I thought those old ones had the vin number on the bell housing near the bottom of the passenger side; on a raised pad? A guy brought me a 70 or 71 727 from a 340 challenger and the sprag was really loose; about to spin. So he was going to bring another case he had and just pitch the first one. But I saw a vin number stamped on it and asked him if it matched his title. It did. So we put a bolt in sprag in it.
 
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