83 Laredo Tranny and Torque Converter

[Joe Guilbeau]

Ok,

You guys know I am an electronics guy, so what torqueflite 727 (torque command?) transmission and torque converter should I get for my 1983 Cherokee Laredo, 411 Gears, 4-inch lift kit, 285/75R-16 tires.

I tow a 3500 lb boat/trailer and use the vehicle for daily commutes and 300 mile round trips to the gulf coast to go salt water fishing.

Do a bit of off-roading on South Padre Island National Seashore, etc...

My current transmission is at a transmission shop, and is a 727 without the input hole in the input shaft.

Do I want a tranny with the input hole and the lock-up transfer case.

Or am I chasing fog and I have the correct transmission, (no hole in the input shaft)?

No telling where this transmission case came from.

Anyone know if TCI has (727 and torque converter) what I need?

Thanks to the gear heads who will respond.

Be happy to help with any electrical issues you might be struggling with.

Guilbeau's the Name
Electronics MY Game

[Ristow]

use what you have-sounds like a non-lock unit.. it it's a tow package truck you'll have the 4 clutch retainer. if not get one. TCI makes a couple non-lock converters,although the stock low-stall unit works nicely as well. i like the TCI truckmaster rebuild kit. comes with a nice shift kit.


wanna fix my burnt out compass/temp display?

[Joe Guilbeau]

use what you have-sounds like a non-lock unit.. it it's a tow package truck you'll have the 4 clutch retainer. if not get one. TCI makes a couple non-lock converters,although the stock low-stall unit works nicely as well. i like the TCI truckmaster rebuild kit. comes with a nice shift kit.


wanna fix my burnt out compass/temp display?

Uh....Speak english, OK?


What the hell did you just say?

I know attorneys sometimes take retainers, and they deffinetly clutch your money. That is all that I could make out from you post... sorry, no mechanic at home here, doh.

[fulsizjeep]

The one you have will do the job. If you had a lockup 727 laying around, sure, do that instead. If you don't have an external tranny cooler, get one. It is pretty common to drive Padre Island with either head wind or tail wind and can get warm under the hood with the later.

[Ristow]

in the transmission,there are 2 clutch packs. the front clutch pack-or retainer-has 2 common types. one that holds 3 clutch discs,and one that holds 4. if you don't have the 4 disc retainer,get one. if you have the tow package on your cherokee-3.31 gears-you should have the 4 clutch retainer already.

[Joe Guilbeau]

in the transmission,there are 2 clutch packs. the front clutch pack-or retainer-has 2 common types. one that holds 3 clutch discs,and one that holds 4. if you don't have the 4 disc retainer,get one. if you have the tow package on your cherokee-3.31 gears-you should have the 4 clutch retainer already.

How can I determine if my 727 Transmission can accept a lock up torque converter?

Do I count the splines or what? What diameter is input shaft interface to the transmission?

I am having a Torque Converter made for me, it will have steel turbine blades (welded), larger sprague, 8 needle bearings, and a low stall speed.

I like the idea of having better gas mileage with the lock up.

What do I look for on the transmission, what about modulators, I need details, as the transmission shop will just install what I purchase.

So, it needs to be right the first time...

What say you?

[Ristow]

a lock-up trans will have a hub machined into the end of the input shaft,that hub engages the lock-up piston inside the converter. a non-lock trans the input splines run to the end of the input shaft,no machined hub. the spline count is different between the two as well, 24 vs. 23 splines i believe.

lock up transmissions have a special pump,input shaft,valve body,and converter. i wouldn't bother converting one,you'll get negligable mpg increases.

like stated above,if yours has the 3 clutch front retainer,get a 4 clutch. shouldn't be hard to find. someone here will surely have one. be sure they put all new steel plates in the clutches. new front band. mild,towing/rv shift kit. i like the TCI truckmaster kit,has all of this in it.

look at the 1st and 13th picture,it is a non-lock input shaft. note the splines come to the end of the shaft,no hub.

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=92183

here is a lock-up trans. page 3 second pic. note the machined hub on end of input shaft.

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=51307&page=3

[Joe Guilbeau]

Well,

If Cottman Transmission will work with me, I am going to get Performance Converters to build me an 11" non-lock up Torque Converter with welded steel impeller blades (turbines) with a larger sprague, 8-roller bearings and a lower stall speed.

Shawn at Dynamic Converters http://dynamicconverters.com/ and he will work with the mechanic at Cottmans to get it done right.

Thanks for all of the advice, looks as if the beast will be back on the road once again.

[Ristow]

doesn't a bigger converter give greater torque multiplication? ask them about this. i think a 12" was also available for the AMC line.

[Joe Guilbeau]

doesn't a bigger converter give greater torque multiplication? ask them about this. i think a 12" was also available for the AMC line.

We will find out tomorrow (Friday 2-13-09)