Willy74

Hi all, new here so I thought for my first post I would task your collective wisdom on a choice of band material for the 2nd gear kickdown band on a 727 used behind a "89" Cummins diesel.

The choice is between a solid hd kevlar band or a solid red Alto band.
Also, what is your preference in this application...solid or flex.

I've had the old girl since new and I don't plan on getting rid of her so longevity and durability are key. I will also be installing a shift kit as well as a new torque converter to replace the BD one in there now. I have already replaced the original flexplate once with a Dodge one, but figure that now that it is out I might as well add a SFI approved plate...I don't want to pull it out again if I rip the center out like the first one.

JD730

Welcome to DTR!
I used a flex band with a red friction material on it in my last rebuild.


Write up on trans rebuild

47RH swap information

If you not planning on getting rid of it I would consider jumping up to an overdrive trans, skip the A518 and go for a 47RH if you decide to do something like that. What you use the truck for and funds will come into play with a swap.

Willy74

Thanks for the links, Ive read BC847's rebuild thread and your's as well...lots of good info there.
It's just a 2wdr bomber, no heavy loads, no heavy trailer, just a very heavy foot. So while I would love a 47RH I can't really justify it right now. Besides the trans is in really nice shape internally. I just figured while it is out that I would upgrade a few things. So much easier now than later when it really needs it.
The original red flex band is still in pretty decent shape, it's just that I have two new bands to choose from, one being a lightly constructed Kevlar flex band and the other is a very heavily constructed Red Eagle solid band. I think I'll be going to the solid band. I thought there might be a difference in friction coefficients and shift quality, especially in conjunction with a shift kit installed.
By the way I thought I might as well include a picture of the old girl, Ive got all the pieces now so it won't be long before it is all back together again. Then I'll give it a road test and park it for the winter.
Thank for the info JD.

flashgordon

I would stick with what you have.

The flex band will work just fine with a warped drum...............If your putting the ridged band on, you better make sure the drum is true.

As fare is the two material go, i have a sinking suspicion that they are the same.
like i said before, i would stick with what you have in there now if it is still in good shape.

Flash

Willy74

Thanks for the heads up Flash, I'll stick the drum on the lathe and put a dial indicator on it to verify that it is straight.
I often wondered what the benefit of the flex band was. I can see that it would be more forgiving in warped drum situation. Good to know.

Willy74

Well I'm glad that I ordered a heavy duty flex plate before I pulled the transmission.

I tore the center out of the original one years ago. Replaced it with a new and improved Dodge one about 10 years ago. I never felt good about it because it didn't look any much better than the first one.

Anyway, while waiting for a bushing kit to show up for my trans rebuild I decided to replace the flex plate...and what did I find? You guess it, cracks, two of them to be exact, about two inches long each.

Just goes to show you, if you've got a transmission out do as much upgrading as possible, cause you never now what will bite you next, or again.