727 large spring above valve body ?

[crj1968]

Sorry if dumb Q, but I don't know anything about 727's.

Yesterday I removed the VB to replace the shifter and kickdown seals. (I tried using the "special" tool to get from the top but no luck)

Anyway, I got all done. Installing the VB was a little tricky lying on my back, with the large spring on the one end.

What is that spring for?  I have noticed in videos etc, people installing VB's without it.   

[John_Kunkel]

That's the accumulator spring, myth has it that the spring cushions the 1-2 upshift and that removing the spring will "firm up" shifts but it is only myth.

The true purpose of the spring is to cushion the application of the rear clutch when the trans is initially placed in a forward gear. Always reinstall it.

[crj1968]

Why did I know Kunkel was gonna answer this?   

Thanks John...learning more and more.

I came across more than one reference of "toss the spring" out there.

My tranny was rebuilt a decade ago by some dude that is known 'round here to know his stuff....so seems he is in line with you. Keep the spring. 

Thanks once again. 

[c00nhunterjoe]

Simply tossing the spring wont do anything as the piston can still move in the bore. You have to add the stop to prevent movement of the accumulator in order to gain firmer shifts. If you dont have the stop, put the spring back in.

[crj1968]

I kept the spring in. I was just curious of its function. 

[c00nhunterjoe]

Main function is as john stated, but it does soften the 1-2 shift. Again, only removing the spring does NOT make the shift firm. You must block the piston from moving to firm the shift. Doing so will also give a noticeable "bump" into gear unless you run a loose converter. For most street cars, leave the piston/spring untouched.

[crj1968]

Thanks- I'm running a basically stock 383 with 2.94 gears so I'm good! 

[John_Kunkel]

I came across more than one reference of "toss the spring" out there.

Yeah, Mopar guru Rick Ehrenberg repeats that often, most recently in the current issue of MA. Easy enough to disprove but some just won't listen.