904 Transmission, no 3rd gear shift.

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C2ndLTpigeon

C2ndLTpigeon

Mopar or no Car!
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Looking for some help on an issue I am having.
I recently rebuilt my 904 for my Dart with a slant six. I Fired it up the other day and took it around the block. It will not shift into third gear.
I adjusted the kickdown linkage correctly and still not change. I also did the test of disconnecting the throttle pressure linkage and no change, 3rd gear is not there.
The car has no issue going into reverse and drive and 1-2 shifts.
Any Idea on what else I should try? I know the check balls are in the correct spots in the VB as well.
 
If this is a VB issue, can I use a VB from another year transmission?
The transmission in the car is a 1981, and I have a VB from a 1975 904, will this work?
 
Probably not. Check to see if they both either have/don't have a tube on the top, and the casting area right in front of the low/reverse band adjuster. Later ones have a portion of the vb that goes farther back; covering passages in the case. Did somebody assemble the vb incorrectly?
 
There is a little 3-eared thrust washer than goes between the input and main shafts. If you somehow forgot to put that in the front clutch pack no worklie. Not that I've ever done that...
 
never would have thought of that! thanks for sharing that non-event, lol

Now, how can we prove that has Not happened? lol. without taking the trans down, nor the pan off?
Oh wait I know, but it's more work than taking the pan off, and nearly as much as taking the trans down.
So to prove it I would say drop the pan and probably the VB, then just lever the front gear train back and forth to check the End-play. Since the VB is off at this time, you might as well check the 2-3 shiftvalve.
If you don't find anything, and have not tested the oil pressure, then go check the governor
 
Last edited:
Ok,
Transmission do not have that tube mentioned above.
I will not rule out the valve body being assembled right as I mistakenly lost track of which was which but assembled it to the best of my knowledge, reason why I might try switching the VB, I have a 71 and 75 VB that are so much simpler then the later ones.
The governor is the same one that It had on it before the rebuild. If it was that wouldn't it have an issue with the 1-2 shift? it seems to shift at the correct speed when it does.

And about that washer between the shafts I double checked that thing a dozen times before I was satisfied it was there. I used assembly grease to make sure it was held on. Believe me its there lol
 
C2ndLTpigeon said:
The governor is the same one that It had on it before the rebuild. If it was that wouldn't it have an issue with the 1-2 shift? it seems to shift at the correct speed when it does.
Click to expand...
Yes which is why I tacked it on at the end, and then recommended the pressure test. Because you say that the 1-2 shift occurs at about the same as before and seems correct, I think we can safely rule it out. And then
we are back to the 2-3 shift valve.
 
Well I changed out the VB and still no 3rd gear. I get reverse, and 1-2 and when it tries to go into third its as if its in neutral.
 
My speedometer does not work but id say between 10-15 MPH
Yes it responds to R just as fast as D. R seems a little bit harsher then the 81 VB.
 
HARSH REVERSE?!?! Any history of goopy stuff in the pan? Sounds like the direct clutch might be gone. Sometimes they burn up and warp; and you still have reverse cuz reverse runs at full pressure; but no third cuz the governor is only allowing one pound per square inch per mile per hour.
 
It got harsher with this 71 VB I put in, more of drive line slop and my idle being too high.
Im going to pull the governor off, maybe its hanging up or was not cleaned right.
 
So put it in drive and floor it until the valves float in 2nd. Now briefly shift into reverse and back to drive. If you end up in direct (3rd) it's because the pressure spike seated the worn out front clutch pack. If not, you just made a lot of noise.
 
The internal components look good. I just got done rebuilding this transmission. I did the same steps as I did with another transmission that is in my 73 Valiant and that has been working fine for over 2 years.
 
Well I changed the Governor and just like I expected, no change! I'm at me end with it and give up. Chucking this one in the trash and on to finding another core.
 

I'm not sure, at this point I'm done with this transmission. Spent more time and money on it then I want.
Have no idea if it ever had 3rd before I rebuilt it. Engine in the car was worn and couldn't even idle. Rebuilt the engine that runs perfect.
Decided to do the trans as well, guess something is wrong and id rather start over with an earlier trans not the 80s junk.
 
Earlier trans pre-71 aren't as good. But this is why guys shy away from transmission rebuilding; they are UNFORGIVING. Idk why you would change the governor; since the 1-2 shift was normal..."same steps"...I don't think so. I think you left too much clearance in the direct clutch pack.
 
Yea but there really not that more complicated then building an engine. And if anything the 904/727 is the most simplest easy to learn transmission. It just has to be something so stupid thats causing this.
I found an old post from oldkimmer that said he had a similar issue and it was a seal that tore or was not seated causing a pressure loss. Who knows until I take it apart which I will do when I get a replacement.

I changed the governor as it was one of the last things I can check/do with the trans in the car. I knew it would make no difference and sure enough it didn't.

Im looking at getting a 71 and 72 904 from another member, and hopefully give it another go. I just need something to get the dart moving for about a year until I build a 408/727 for it. This is just to put around in for a little while.
 
Didn't you chuck the pump in a vise and install both front drums onto it and pressure test both drums for leakage and engagement and clearance????
 
"Yea but there really not that more complicated then building an engine"...says the guy who's ready to chuck the whole thing!!! hahahahaha.
 
Yes I tested it.
And yes I can chuck it if I feel like, if something is too worn, start with another.
Already found a 71, and 72 904 that I will pick up Friday.
The car moves with it in right now which means I don't have to have a car on jack stands for a few weeks trying to figure out what's wrong with it.
Ill rebuild another and swap it when done. No need for the other one that chooses not to shift so of to the scrap it goes.

Im sure there are differences in tolerances. I have the book by Tom Hand and a 1973 and 1975 Factory manual but not one for 1981 so who knows what changed.
 
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