Trans is bad- advice!?

[Baskinator]

The 727 does not have as low of a first gear, so if your Eagle has 2.35 gears or larger tires (or both), you will be rather sluggish off the line.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the strength or durability of a properly built 904/998/999 automatic transmission. First of all, the auto transmissions are stronger than any manual used in Eagles in terms of torque and hp ratings. I agree that the lockup torque converters are known to snap with incorrect fluid use or heavy application, and that they may not have been the greatest from the factory because of this. However, a rebuilt 727 won't necessarily last you any longer or shorter than a rebuilt 998, unless of course you swap in a V8 or stroker with 300+ hp.

The non-lockups were often favored because of poor designs of the early lockup convertors. A properly functioning lockup convertor on the other hand will create less heat and run more efficiently. Walmart now sells Valvoline full synthetic Dexron transmission fluid for ~$18 a gallon which would be highly recommended.

[AB-SX4]

Yes, both my Eagles have 2.35 axle ratio and I'm running 215/70 R15 tires.

[AB-SX4]

BTW was surprised that Dexron ATF was recommended. As far as I know it should be ATF +3 for the Torqueflites.

[Baskinator]

Not sure about other applications, but the factory service manual (and all other Eagle manuals) recommend the use of Dexron III. Newer Dexron fluids are backwards compatible and have much better lubrication/heat/performance properties than the old fluids. The Eagle uses Dexron ATF in the auto transmission, transfer case, and power steering system, which is quite convenient. If the FSM recommends it, then stick with that fluid.

[eaglefreek]

BTW was surprised that Dexron ATF was recommended. As far as I know it should be ATF +3 for the Torqueflites.

As far as I know, ATF+3 didn't come out until the 90's.
Here's a quote from Allpar: http://www.allpar.com/mopar/torqueflite.html
"Use Dexron III fluid at the least; if you have the money and would like smoother shifting, use Chrysler ATF+3 or ATF+4 (there are numerous “universal” fluids, and one which conforms to Dexron III or ATF+3/+4 should work)."

[AB-SX4]

Thanks everyone. Probably going to stick with Dexron III then.

[Baskinator]

i am not opposed to rebuilding this thing myself - i am mechanically inclined or i wouldnt own this ridiculous wagon, but i have never cracked open a trans.

If you're interested, I could send you a rebuild dvd for a few bucks.

[carnuck]

Dex II used to be the only fluid aside from Ford for most autotrans until they discovered lockup converters were dying.