What kit(s) to buy for a mild 904 rebuild?

[ScampNYC]

Hi, I am currently rebuilding a 5.9 magnum for use in my 71 Scamp. The scamp is a slant 6 auto car. I also have a 904 to install with it, and I will be reusing the slant 6 torque convertor.

This is a budget build focused on drivability, with a little extra performance... but I would like to daily drive my 71 Scamp. No headers, very mild cam regrind, small carb, functional A/C, going to use the air cleaner heating tube that pulls hot air off the exhaust manifold, etc.

Anyway, I am about to rebuild the 904 trans. I have the 904 book by Tom Hand.

My question is, what rebuild kit should I get for it, knowing the kind of car I want to build? And what shift kit should I get? Anything else to add to my shopping list? Thanks in advance!

 

[4spdragtop]

Im redoing our 904 now, 1st for me. My suggestion would be to wait until disassembled. There are different "levels" of kits. Some with shims/spacers and some without.

 

[4spdragtop]

Transtec, Transpartswarehouse.com
Transdapt are a few suppliers.

 

[dr dodge]

we have one of these local
thats who I've always used

Home - Transtar Aftermarket Solutions

boy has that stuff gone up!

they do transgo shift kits, too

 

[VOETOM]

Scamp, thanks for investing in the book!

 

[junkyardhero]

the fairbanks transaction TF8 kit is super mellow and inexpensive.

trans-go SK TFSC or the TF-1 would be my choice from them.

 

[Ricks70Duster340]

the fairbanks transaction TF8 kit is super mellow and inexpensive.

trans-go SK TFSC or the TF-1 would be my choice from them.

The fairbanks kits are wonderful. Have used them for decades on numerous 727 & 904 builds

 

[crackedback]

12008C kit from trans star is a good start. Tony - 70AARCuda used a bunch of these in his 904 race builds.

Another that I've bought from before and got good service.

A904 HP Rebuild Kit A998 A999 Master Banner Overhaul Automatic Transmission Dodge Chrysler Jeep

Funny story that one of the mopar trans guys was selling seals... special teflon ones... ordered them and they came in the EXACT same bag with same number on them that I got from a warehouse supplier. Only cost twice as much! LOL
Don't fall for that nonsense. Most everyone gets the same parts you can get from a warehouse supplier.

If you want to add extra fiber to the drum, ask if they can put thin frictions/steels in and buy a couple of the thick steel/fiber. Comes in handy for setting free play.

 

[MOPAROFFICIAL]

we have one of these local
thats who I've always used

Home - Transtar Aftermarket Solutions

boy has that stuff gone up!

they do transgo shift kits, too

Sure have. Transtar kits for a 904 used to be $60

 

[*Pentastar]

Shift kit, 1.6 wide front band 5 thick or thin direct frictions depending on what front clutch you have.
Overhaul kit as usual. Oil pump bushing. Direct clutch bushing if worn.
Pressure plates are often warped if clutches are burned.

 

[Syleng1]

Honestly I agree with above….
Buy a proper tear down/ rebuild book- eBay like $25
Tear it down and actually see what you need. Some kits are gaskets only. Some have bushings and seals and some come with everything plus a kitchen sink (lol!) If cost is your bug-a-boo like it is with most of us or your nervous about the tear down…. Watch a few videos on U-tube. There are many.
Then tear apart and physically check all parts then that will tell you the level of kit you need. Most 904’s are over 40years old and have been touched by others for one reason or another.

Good luck! You got this.
Syleng1

 

[mopowers]

Do the thin frictions wear out sooner than the thick ones?

 

[volaredon]

Use a 727 instead

 

[ScampNYC]

Thanks everyone. I hear you about tearing it down and seeing what it needs. But I’d like to have the parts ready to go… not sure I’m comfortable with leaving a disassembled transmission hanging around the garage for more than a few days.
Is there anything wrong with the Pioneer kits from Rock Auto? This isn’t going to be a drag racer, just a hot little street toy.

 

[junkyardhero]

Use a 727 instead

why when the 904 will suit his needs perfectly?

your suggestion is akin to somebody asking what ingredients would help out a basic ground beef burger mix and you sharing your grandmas chicken a la king recipe.

 

[junkyardhero]

Thanks everyone. I hear you about tearing it down and seeing what it needs. But I’d like to have the parts ready to go… not sure I’m comfortable with leaving a disassembled transmission hanging around the garage for more than a few days.
Is there anything wrong with the Pioneer kits from Rock Auto? This isn’t going to be a drag racer, just a hot little street toy.

i'd go with the trans star kit or a kit from A&A. pioneer makes okay stuff, it's just for production work.

either of the others will set you up with better select pieces to make it really shine.

 

[volaredon]

Well if he insists on a 904 at least get the drums that allow for the most # of clutches within each, the bullet accumulator and servo, and a mild shift kit. Many don't know that there were variations within a "904" vs a different one. Like his /6 one may only have 3 clutches within the drums while some have 5.
Don't remember if there's different # of pinions in the planetarys like on a 727 but if he can pick n choose go with those versions that have the most... As far as which overhaul kit whether WIT or Transtar ( is dacco still an option? I think they became Transtar) I don't think there's much different unless he goes like kolene steels and the "red" clutches but I don't think he'll have to go there

Sorry even the mildest meekest daily driver I haven't had much luck from 904s...

 

[crackedback]

It's not the 1970-80's with 904 builds anymore. Kind of like converters aren't marshmellow 70-'s-80's pieces when high stall.

People have figured out how to make them work with strokers.

 

[MOPAROFFICIAL]

Hit the like button if you think volaredon should stfu

 

[dr dodge]

Thanks everyone. I hear you about tearing it down and seeing what it needs. But I’d like to have the parts ready to go… not sure I’m comfortable with leaving a disassembled transmission hanging around the garage for more than a few days.
Is there anything wrong with the Pioneer kits from Rock Auto? This isn’t going to be a drag racer, just a hot little street toy.

I used a couple of those back when
not as nice, but decent

 

[dr dodge]

Hit the like button if you think volaredon should stfu

who left him on the charger?

 

[junkyardhero]

Well if he insists on a 904 at least get the drums that allow for the most # of clutches within each, the bullet accumulator and servo, and a mild shift kit. Many don't know that there were variations within a "904" vs a different one. Like his /6 one may only have 3 clutches...

how's he gonna use that /6 unit behind the 5.9 mag?
(hint: he's not)

Sorry even the mildest meekest daily driver I haven't had much luck from 904s...

from the tale of the tape, it sounds like you haven't had much luck with a lot of your builds...

 

[4spdragtop]

I wasn't sure if someone had been into our 904, with it being a 60 yr old car with orig trans. I ordered a deluxe kit I believe that included all the bushings. Bushings didn't need changing as they all showed next to no wear, so obviously someone changed them out prior to me. Too many variables in a transmission to not look it thru before ordering a kit. Mines been apart for probably 2 months now spread all over the **** shop lol
I have Tom Hands book as well as Boobtube to help.
This guy's videos are good and fairly thorough.

 

[volaredon]

how's he gonna use that /6 unit behind the 5.9 mag?
(hint: he's not

I never said anything that he was but he did say something about using the converter from it, didn't know what else he might be thinking about using from it

 

[Mopar Sam]

Sure have. Transtar kits for a 904 used to be $60

I guess I'm old, I remember buying them for $45. They were good kits.