904 Torque Converter question - free moving part inside?

[VSTwister]

So just curious, what is that edge of what is some type of spacer/disc down inside of my Hughes torque converter? (edit: it's in the upper left in the photo, and it will move around freely as you tilt the converter.) The factory one doesn't have this as far as I can tell. Just making sure this isn't a sign something is wrong with the Hughes one.

I've already been researching on internal components of torque converters but can't find anything that addresses this.

Thanks

 

[413]

Don't look good.

 

[transman]

On a bad guess, a thrust washer. The converter needs to be taken apart and find out what else may be wrong inside. If you bought this used, it's shows why used converters are only good for two things, a door stop or a core.

 

[VSTwister]

I talked to Hughes tech. Here's what they told me with the same photos:

"That is the roller Torrington bearing that is stacked between the impeller and stator . too much clearance in my eyes, this could be that the converter has slightly ballooned and increased the internal clearance. Not uncommon with Mopar converters to see this and it would need to be rebuilt before it was to be installed in my opinion."

 

[Detroit Iron]

Is his a torque converter you were running? If so, I'm curious to know what the symptoms were.

 

[VSTwister]

No I got it this way and noticed it before going to install it. I've had it for a long time sitting so can't do much about it except get it rebuilt. But...I'm now leaning towards one with higher stall speed anyways.

If anyone is interested in buying it for a core or to have rebuilt, let me know. It's a Hughes 27-25HD, 2500 stall for 904.

 

[Mopar Sam]

Thread '$517 for a converter refresh?'

Oct 31, 2025

Is this a good deal?

I haven't done one since 1998, it was $75 back then lol. Just wondering what's normal these days.

904 non lockup,
Hughes: $360
Superior in Oregon: $182

Edit: changed title to reflect actual costs!

• 65TerrorCuda
• Replies: 83
• Forum: Mopar General Discussions

I would not send it to Hughes for a rebuild, what they did in the above thread is terrible

 

[65TerrorCuda]

 

[VSTwister]

That is interesting, and disappointing that such a big name in converters would be doing this. The tech told me this as far as costs go "typical freshing is about 240 plus shipping (about an extra 100.00 there as well going both ways total".

 

[VSTwister]

What did your Hughes torque converter look like vs mine as far as this floating around part I have? This converter was supposedly hardly used. I don't know but things don't add up. I'm not going to use this as is, but it'd be nice to know what's going on with it exactly.

 

[65TerrorCuda]

What did your Hughes torque converter look like vs mine as far as this floating around part I have? This converter was supposedly hardly used. I don't know but things don't add up. I'm not going to use this as is, but it'd be nice to know what's going on with it exactly.

Both the before and after "refresh" it didn't have anything like that. If you could get a real close picture that could help, but if they said the thrust bearing is falling out I'd believe it. If it wasn't assembled right to begin with anything is possible.

 

[transman]

Here's a photo that shows what your "hardly used" converter could possibly look like inside. As you can see, a lot of damage on the major components that aren't really repairable. Until the converter is cut open, there is no way to know it's internal condition is, unless you've got x-ray vision. Someone telling you the converter has been "hardly used" doesn't cut it.
Also, the Hughes converter may or may not be the one that works best in your car. Just because the wizzbang 3000 works like a charm in my car doesn't mean it will perform the same in your car, unless your car "is identical to mine" in everyway. Contact one of the good performance converter builders that have been mentioned on this board many times, and see what they recommend. And, don't let a low price be your reason for buying. I've seen enough budget and just like new, hardly used converters cut open to know that you get what you pay for. Just my opinion after a lot of years in the industry. Best of luck.

 

[65TerrorCuda]

Ouch!