84 Grand Wagoneer Revival

[bkilby]

Originally Posted by devildog80

This is the site for Dodge 727 3-speed info
Dodge 3-Speed Auto - Gearvendors
Go here for more info-
info@gearvendors.com

I put a GV in my Dodge Ram back in 2003-2004. I've had to replace it 3 times due to reverse going out. I probably would have changed it a 4th time but pretty much stopped driving the truck about 5 years ago. Lol. The GV uses clutches for reverse and the oil capacity is something like 1.1 quarts so changing the fluid when you're suppose to is critical. I'd rather change the transmission and tcase than put a GV on.

[devildog80]

Good information for thought, and that is what I was hoping to get, are the experience from those that have tried them....good or bad!

Thanks and would like to hear more

[sierrablue]

Originally Posted by cu4whln

Agree!

My 401 got 8 mpg with 33s and 3.54s.
Checked and rechecked this many times.
The Gas Pig is what I called it.

PITA as it is super hard to get the dam thing to take fuel.. which is required ALL too regularly !!

I won't mention how I fixed this . . .

Be cautious with adding an OD unit. Your drivability may suffer greatly.
Gearing is important for balance drivetrain performance.
Will load the trans more, which can result in heating the fluid.
Heat is the enemy of trans longevity.

8mpg...was the speedometer adapted to the 33s? If it was still reading for 235s, then that could be the issue; if it was still off by 12-15% that would at least bring you up to 9 But if you checked and rechecked I doubt that was the issue.

Just some food for thought here, not going to push you one way or the other on the tires, but I used to be an all-terrain LT all of the way. Then when I got the '71, it had the P225/75R15 Hankook Optimo H724 whitewalls on it. Those are the equivalents of the Kinergy H735s now, and came in 235/75r15, too. I kind of figured that they'd suck in the snow and everything. Then last winter, B350 freshly put back together, I started driving it with them, and I was REALLY impressed. Since you're from ND you know what the snow's like around here; anywhere the body didn't hit I didn't have a problem going. Only time I got stuck (and trust me, I went through some unplowed lots that were drifted to 2.5' deep with 3' deep entrances) was when I slammed on the brakes on the icy backroad for a deer, and put it in the very steep ditch backwards. The snow there was up to the bottom door crease. They seem to do fine in the sand, and I haven't had any trouble with the little bit of mud they've been through. 1800 something pound per tire load rating, I believe, so on these more than enough for any towing you <should> be doing with these. So I've been super happy with these, and with the non-power brakes, I can modulate them REALLY well on the ice They do also offer a nice soft ride, look good, and are more aerodynamic thus get you better mileage

Oh I forgot to mention I got all of those places without even airing them down These things are stupid capable. I love it

[cu4whln]

Originally Posted by sierrablue

8mpg...was the speedometer adapted to the 33s? If it was still reading for 235s, then that could be the issue; if it was still off by 12-15% that would at least bring you up to 9 But if you checked and rechecked I doubt that was the issue

Speedo was corrected and very accurate. 33 MT/Rs btw.

401 ran and sounded great, but used gas. Sigh ...

[sierrablue]

As far as the overdrive goes, good info for sure. The D20 overdrive unit's big problem is that it can't handle much power (really torque is the issue), and the reverse/park function has to be manually pulled if you don't want it to roll away At least I think that's how it needs to happen at this point. They're interesting units...trouble with them is that reverse/park function. But seeing as you have the 401 I'd personally just as soon put in an overdrive tranny out of an XJ or ZJ; can pick up a whole salvage one of those for like $400 and get a good tranny out of the deal. Trouble for me is those don't bolt up to ETIHER the B350 or the D20...of course the flip side to THAT is that even from the factory they put adapters on either side of the tranny Anyway you get my .02 now.

[bkilby]

I'd look for an A518 (727 with OD) from a 4x4 and see if your transmission shop can swap the internals over to your AMC 727 case.

[devildog80]

Encouraged by everyone's feedback, and good information to consider for sure.

Thanks and keep it coming

[sierrablue]

Since we have a 4.0L ZJ (and an extra automatic transmission for it), I was gonna put the 42RE out of that in the '88--electronically controlled, but the computer is separate from the main computer for the Jeep. They get a bad rep for being "weak" but really they're electronic 727s with an overdrive--any weak parts can be replaced with stronger ones, AND because they're for the 4.0L, they have the AMC bolt pattern so they fit the 401 right out of the box Not sure on the t-case...I wanted to put the mechanical part-time case from the ZJ behind it anyway.

[devildog80]

Good to know, but if I go to an O/D transmission, I would be looking for an automatic that does not require a computer in any way shape or form. Just simple mechanical shifting.

[rang-a-stang]

I just rebuilt a Jeep AW4 for my XJ. Here are my thoughts:
1) It would almost bolt into your truck. Almost. You do not need any sort of adapters which is SUPER nice. they are super reliable, long lasting transmissions. The wiring they use is almost all self contained and factory Jeep (you don't need to run some sort of aftermarket crap). You can get a trans and transfer case for like $500. Change the fluid and spend a weekend installing it. Have your shafts extended/shortened and you have a 4 speed automatic (with lockup TC) for about $1200. all factory parts, all fully supported by McParts stores.
2) there is a write on here somewhere that shows how another guy did it. If I still had my jeep, i would have gone this way. XJs came with NP cases so you might even be able to keep your case/shafts.
3) I really think this would be the more affordable and reliable swap. Don't let the idea of a "computer" scare you. They are ALLLLLLL over the wrecking yards. They don't need any sort of tuning or anything. If you can deal with a Duraspark, you can deal with an AW4 transmission controller.

[rang-a-stang]

Here are some good threads to read on it:
http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=182007
http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=187654
This guy kept his case, if I were doing this, I would run an XJ NP231. It is also a driver drop like your current case. I think this would be a cheaper more reliable swap but slightly more complicated.

[devildog80]

Not scared of computers, just do not want to get that modern with it.

I like these trucks as they were designed, and who knows, the 727 will probably perform perfectly. Then all of my running around & ranting will all be for naught, and will be happy with what I already have.

Maybe reading about what lots of others are doing has my head in the clouds, and I need to come back down to earth, and get focused with what I already have to get it going?

[sierrablue]

Originally Posted by devildog80

Not scared of computers, just do not want to get that modern with it.

I like these trucks as they were designed, and who knows, the 727 will probably perform perfectly. Then all of my running around & ranting will all be for naught, and will be happy with what I already have.

Maybe reading about what lots of others are doing has my head in the clouds, and I need to come back down to earth, and get focused with what I already have to get it going?

Nah, dreaming is good. And until you know EXACTLY what you want it to be, you'll want to gather all of the info you can about your various ideas--and then even if you don't go that route, then the info will be there for others who may want to go that route.