I have a '70 Swinger (Dart) with the Slant Six. The six has been upgraded to the 225 version but the transmission is original. I am assuming that was the TorqueFlite A727 transmission, which was introduced in 1969? The A727 TorqueFlite was a 3-speed automatic transmission. So this one now has no reverse.

When I looked online, it says that the reverse clutch is shared with the rest of the transmission speeds; that said, the quotes on servicing this transmission are astronomical.

Also looking online, the result was that transmissions that fit the Slant Six were made up till around 2000? These included the A904 and A999?

AI Chat says regarding that, there were three transmissions for the original Slant Six:
1. A904 TorqueFlite transmission:
* Introduced in 1962
* Produced until the late 1980s
* Production run of approximately 26 years
2. A999 TorqueFlite transmission:
* Introduced in 1976
* Produced until the early 1990s
* Production run of approximately 16 years
3. A727 TorqueFlite transmission:
* Introduced in 1969
* Produced until 2000
* Production run of approximately 31 years

So, what are the options? Fixing the transmission by sending it to a shop may be too costly. Are there swaps, maybe used ones that will fit the old '70 Swinger, or am I limited to staying with the original? Also, is this correct about the 1970 Dart Swinger having the A727 transmission or did it have the A904? How would I make sure, do I need the VIN?

If newer transmissions will work, wouldn't they be a better replacement than the original?

Thanks in advance.

 

Can you post a pic of your transmission pan? That should tell us which flavor ya got.

 

I don't have the car yet, I'll have it next week. I'm going to pull the pan soon after that.

I just spoke to a Dodge transmission expert over the telephone and he went through with me what the odds are that the unit is anything other than a 904, so we're expecting it to turn out to be a 904.

Also he explained that the issue with the reverse gear not working is a known issue and that it may be a very straightforward repair, involving a servo that needs replacing. It might be something I can do in my driveway.

I'll update this when I know more.

 

If it uses bands, band struts, etc.... Yep, if the trans isn't maintained, (band adjustments on the regular) the strut can get sloppy, and fall out. Thus, the band never applies, so, that particular gear doesn't work. Dropping the pan will likely be very enlightening.

 

So, the way it happened is, everything was fine. Suddenly it had no reverse gear. It wasn't a gradual process. Sounds like something that fell off would cause that symptom.

 

Sounds that way to me too..... It is certainly worth havin' a look.

 

Slant sixes usually got the 904.

 

If you see the strut in the bottom of the pan remove the valve body and investigate. The band may be damaged, The anchor point rips away from the band. I had this happen on 727. It's not fun pushing the car out of a parking space so you can put it in drive.