What do I need for my 904 rebuild?

I'm going to pull my transmission shortly and would like to have an adequate rebuild kit on hand and have to say, I really do not know what's the proper choice for this venture!
Also I realize there is an unknown here but the 904 was shifting smoothly before the tired engine gave up.

I've tried to piece together various threads on that topic but am having difficulty consolidating a parts list. The 904 is in a 65 barracuda w/273, but will have a mild 318, 95% street driven & will be "tested" from time to time for sure!!

I prefer a fix it right the first time if possible to avoid having to make multiple mail orders for parts or another rebuild in the near future!

The standard shift pattern will stay stock but will have a shift kit (another undecided)

A retired "mechanic" acquaintance of mine says he has rebuilt many in the past and has offered to assist me. Also he says he has kits from way back when but I don't know "what" he has..freshen up, rebuild deluxe or master kit, ect.!

I doubt he has the parts to make a stronger tranny that many here seem to pursue.

Any recommendations or suggestions/key pointers?

Thanks in advance fabo!

A stock rebuild kit is all I can see you requiring, If any upgrades.. I like the .999 Planetary gears, they get you out of the "Hole" quickly. Also the Trans-Go shift kit is nice, it will prolong the life of the transmission due to minimalizing slippage during the *****. I also would replace the torque convertor with a new unit. Hope this helps.

I don't like getting complete kits because you always end up with someone else's interpretation and that means cutting corners so they can make a profit. I like getting Borg Warner clutches. Name brand, good quality. No "alto red", "alto blue", race this bullshit that. That's for all the forum heroes. Just stock replacement BW clutches.

I like rigid bands. What you want with bands is how quickly they release. Rigid bands release quicker than flex bands, hands down. They last longer and are more heavy duty.

Lots of stuff talked about in forums is just not needed. The Torqueflite is a damn good transmission to start with. TransGo does make a nice shift kit. TF2 is the part number.

Beyond all that is really personal preference for a mild street car like you are talking about.

Fishy68 (Tracy) can help you with which kit and where from I think.
There is a full soft parts rebuild kit that comes with pretty much everything for a basic rebuild, or a master kit with bushings included.
A stock 904 with the shift kit should be plenty for a mild 318 and last a long time.
And as RRR says, rigid bands are a nice addition.

RustyRatRod said:

I like rigid bands. What you want with bands is how quickly they release. Rigid bands release quicker than flex bands, hands down. They last longer and are more heavy duty.

Click to expand...

Great info! I just learned me something new! Thanks RRR!

http://www.northernautoparts.com/part/tk-12008c


That's a good start.