Need a shop to rebuild 904 in DFW

[CultClassik]

Hopefully this is the right place to post this - I recently picked up a 67 Dart. Skipping all of the other details, I've got a 318 (unknown specs, but was told it's a mild build with 2k miles on it). I think I'm going to stick with the 904 for the sake of simplicity.

I'd like a decent rebuild on it, likely I'll do some upgrades on the transmission since this 318 is temporary just so I can drive the car while I work on another engine (the original 273 with 79k miles is seized, the whole thing has been sitting since 1979-ish).

ANYWAY - can anyone recommend a good transmission shop in DFW that knows what to do with a 904?

Thanks!

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

Be aware that the 67 transmission has a smaller hub on the torque convertor then the 68 or newer 318. There is an adapter ring that will allow you to use the transmission. If you build a 68 up transmission the hub won't fit the factory 273 with out something being modified. Either a special made convertor or something done to the crankshaft.

 

[CultClassik]

Ok, removing this because I didn't realize it posted, and I posted it again below.

 

[Woods74]

Yeah, I can recommend a shop... Your garage/kitchen! These things are simple to rebuild and modify, plenty of threads on it here and on moparchat. PLUS you get the satisfaction of learning something new! Easier than rebuilding an engine as far as I'm concerned, it's akin to a carb rebuild, only the parts are bigger.

 

[CultClassik]

That's good info, thank you very much. I can never keep up with the vast amount of variations that Chrysler turned out.

So I've found the adapter, and at 40 bucks shipped, it's not so bad (well, depending on how much a good shop charges me to rebuild the 904).

Weird thing is, I thought when I looked up the casting number on this 318, it said 67-something. I really never paid attention to 318s before, so I'm not sure when they started making them and if it's possible that it will bolt right up to the 904..?

 

[CultClassik]

@Poison, thanks I was considering it...they kind of scare me but it would save some dough. I'm in a time crunch and have a rather lofty goal of taking the car on a short roadtrip where there happens to be a car show next month (leaving on the 15th). I don't think I can make it, but if I can shoot some paint in this engine bay, I've got everything else about ready to go besides the trans and of course assuming this 318 runs. I'll look over the how-to threads some more.

 

[CultClassik]

So I'm mulling over the 904 DIY rebuild idea. I figured I'd go ahead and do some upgrades, and I have some questions.

I've decided on the following upgrades, seems to be a regular thing to do (the next engine will be quite a bit more stout, so I figured these things can't hurt..)

4.2 kickdown lever
5 red thin frictions
Kolene Steels
Sonnax rear servo
Kevlar front band
TF2 shift kit

I went ahead and ordered the adapter to use the 67 trans with a 68+ small block. However, when I look at the parts above, most places refer to the transmissions as 68 or later, and even 7x and later. Are the internals on the 67 and 68+ 904 trans really different also, or can I use 68+ frictions, servos, etc?

 

[GaryS]

I had a 727 and a 904 rebuild at Harold's transmission in Denton. The price was fair and the service was excellent. After five and seven years, both are working perfectly.

 

[wheelsup73]

I use the 5.0 lever in mine, m300 input shaft, heavy duty band strut and a billet pump gear along with 5 clutches and 2.75 first gear.
In the video you can hear how good my trans shifts and this trans is going on its 5th season.
[ame="http://youtu.be/j7EhgdcwmIE"]302 Found[/ame]

 

[Woods74]

So I'm mulling over the 904 DIY rebuild idea. I figured I'd go ahead and do some upgrades, and I have some questions.

I've decided on the following upgrades, seems to be a regular thing to do (the next engine will be quite a bit more stout, so I figured these things can't hurt..)

4.2 kickdown lever
5 red thin frictions
Kolene Steels
Sonnax rear servo
Kevlar front band
TF2 shift kit

I went ahead and ordered the adapter to use the 67 trans with a 68+ small block. However, when I look at the parts above, most places refer to the transmissions as 68 or later, and even 7x and later. Are the internals on the 67 and 68+ 904 trans really different also, or can I use 68+ frictions, servos, etc?

Hi, good job on the attempt! Kickdown lever isn't that big of a deal. 3.8 - 4.2 seems to be the norm. If you can get a wide front band 1.61 or 1.75ish all the better.

I recommend identifying your transmission. The serial number is on the drivers side lip of the casting just above the oil pan. Call these guys and ask them about the 67 vs 68 thing.

http://www.aandatrans.com/

You'll get a good deal here, they've always been good to me, great prices too.

https://www.wittrans.com/


Please, take your time. Check over your build twice, then relax for the day or so and do one more check the next day for good measure and build quality, take pictures as you go.


If you run across the name "John Kunkel" on moparts, hes the man!

 

[CultClassik]

Thanks for all the info once again.

I've started the rebuild on this 904 and after assembling the front clutch pack, my snap ring clearance only measures about .035 instead of .060-ish but that's with the discs wet. From what I've seen I think this will be good to go, but wanted to see what you guys think...

Should I go with it or find a skinnier snap ring (or machine the pressure plate)?

 

[CultClassik]

Oh, also any tricks on getting that plug out to remove the kickdown lever?? I broke off a 1/4" rachet extension in there....I can see it has 4 something stamped on it, so at least I'm not worried about replacing it.