Valve Body

Remove and replace or rebuild the valve body in the automatic transmission, requiring pan removal, filter service, and precise reassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve body (remanufactured or rebuild kit) × 1 — Chrysler TorqueFlite 727/904 compatible
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — TorqueFlite 727 or 904 gasket
• Transmission filter × 1 — TorqueFlite 727 or 904 filter
• Valve body gaskets and separator plate × 1 — Included in valve body rebuild kit

Fluids

• ATF Type A, Suffix A or Dexron II — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Allow transmission to cool completely if recently driven (minimum 2 hours)
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands
4. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
5. Position large drain pan under transmission pan
6. Clean exterior of transmission pan area to prevent contamination during service
7. Have replacement parts, gaskets, and fresh ATF ready before beginning

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid and remove pan
   Loosen all transmission pan bolts gradually, starting from one corner and working around the perimeter. Leave two bolts at opposite corners slightly tightened to keep pan from falling. Carefully pry pan loose at one corner to begin draining fluid into drain pan. Once fluid flow slows, remove remaining bolts and lower pan. Note the position of any dowel pins.
2. 2

   Inspect fluid and pan for contamination
   Examine drained fluid for metal particles, clutch material, or debris. Inspect transmission pan for excessive sludge or metal shavings. Heavy contamination may indicate additional transmission damage requiring further diagnosis. Clean pan thoroughly with solvent and wipe dry. Use a magnet to check for ferrous metal particles in pan.
3. 3

   Remove transmission filter
   Locate the transmission filter attached to the valve body. Remove the filter retaining bolts or clips (typically 2-3 bolts). Pull filter straight down and away from valve body pickup tube. Inspect filter for contamination and proper sealing of gasket or O-ring. Discard old filter.
4. 4

   Document valve body configuration
   Before removing valve body, take detailed photographs of all linkage connections, wire connections (if equipped with kickdown solenoid), and component positions. Note the position of the manual valve lever and throttle valve linkage. Label or mark any components that could be confused during reassembly.
5. 5

   Disconnect valve body linkages
   Carefully disconnect the manual valve linkage from the manual valve lever. On TorqueFlite transmissions, this typically involves removing a retaining clip and sliding the linkage rod off the valve. Disconnect the throttle valve linkage or kickdown linkage. Exercise caution not to bend or damage linkage components.
6. 6

   Remove valve body mounting bolts
   Remove all valve body mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern to prevent warping. TorqueFlite valve bodies typically have 8-12 bolts of varying lengths. Organize bolts by position using a parts organizer, as bolt lengths may vary. Support the valve body with one hand while removing the final bolts to prevent it from dropping.
7. 7

   Lower and remove valve body assembly
   Carefully lower the valve body assembly, keeping it level to prevent check balls or springs from falling out. As you remove the valve body, note the position of the separator plate and gaskets between the valve body and transmission case. Several small check balls may be positioned in passages in the separator plate or case - do not lose these. Set valve body on clean work surface.
8. 8

   Remove and inspect separator plate components
   Remove the separator plate and gaskets from the transmission case. Count and document the location of all check balls (typically 3-9 balls depending on model). Use a service manual diagram to verify check ball positions. Inspect all passages in the case for debris or damage. Clean case mating surface thoroughly with solvent and lint-free rags.
9. 9

   Prepare new or rebuilt valve body
   If installing a remanufactured valve body, verify it matches the original configuration and that all passages are clear. If rebuilding the existing valve body, follow rebuild kit instructions precisely, ensuring all springs, check balls, and valves are installed in correct positions. Test manual valve movement by hand to ensure smooth operation without binding.
10. 10

    Install separator plate and gaskets
    Position new lower gasket on transmission case, aligning all bolt holes. Place separator plate over gasket, ensuring proper orientation (reference photos taken during disassembly). Install check balls in correct case passages per service manual diagram. Position upper gasket on separator plate. Verify all holes align properly before proceeding.
11. 11

    Install valve body assembly
    Carefully position valve body assembly onto separator plate and gaskets, aligning all bolt holes. Ensure manual valve engages properly with manual valve lever. Insert all valve body mounting bolts finger-tight in their correct positions. Tighten bolts gradually in a crisscross pattern to manufacturer specifications (typically 35-40 inch-pounds for TorqueFlite, but verify with service manual as no torque specs are provided in database).
12. 12

    Reconnect valve body linkages
    Reconnect the manual valve linkage to the manual valve lever, ensuring proper engagement and installing retaining clips securely. Reconnect throttle valve or kickdown linkage, verifying smooth operation through full range of motion. Check that manual valve moves freely through all gear positions when shifted.
13. 13

    Install new transmission filter
    Position new transmission filter onto valve body, aligning the pickup tube with the valve body port. Install filter retaining bolts or clips and tighten securely. Verify filter gasket or O-ring is properly seated and filter does not contact pan when installed.
14. 14

    Install transmission pan with new gasket
    Clean transmission case pan rail thoroughly, removing all traces of old gasket material. Position new gasket on pan or case (depending on gasket design). Carefully lift pan into position, aligning all bolt holes. Install all pan bolts finger-tight, then tighten in a crisscross pattern to manufacturer specifications (typically 12-15 foot-pounds for TorqueFlite, but verify as no torque specs are provided in database). Do not overtighten, as this can distort pan and cause leaks.
15. 15

    Refill transmission with fluid
    Lower vehicle from jack stands. Add approximately 4 quarts of appropriate ATF (Type A Suffix A or Dexron II) through transmission dipstick tube. Start engine and allow to idle in Park. Move shifter through all gear positions, pausing briefly in each. Return to Park and check fluid level with engine running. Add fluid as needed to bring level to appropriate mark on dipstick (typically between ADD and FULL marks when warm).

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to proper specifications using appropriate torque wrench
2. Double-check that all linkages are properly connected and secured with retaining clips
3. Verify transmission pan is not leaking after initial test drive
4. Recheck fluid level after transmission reaches operating temperature

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks from transmission pan area
• With engine idling and transmission in Park, verify smooth shifting through all gear ranges
• Test drive vehicle through all gears, verifying proper shift points and smooth operation
• Check for proper kickdown function under acceleration
• Verify no delayed engagement, harsh shifts, or slipping
• Recheck transmission fluid level with transmission at operating temperature and adjust as needed
• Inspect under vehicle after test drive to confirm no leaks

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