Well, the 904 = A-500 = 44RE
and, the 727 = A-518 = 46RE
The 727's are the stronger tranny, having been used behind the big blocks.
They are all basically the same trannies, the 5 series has the electric OD
unit, the RE series have electrically-controlled hydraulic shifts.
The trannies lost their strength when (then)Chrysler decided to soften up
the shifts (since the majority of truck users were using them for
grocery-getters and wanted a smooth-shifting truck). A good shift kit will
firm up the shifts and get most of the strength and durability back.
A 'GOOD' tranny shop can beef up either transmission considerably (using
increased flow, extra clutch packs, etc.). Some big-block drag-racers use
the A-904 (with an adapter) simply because it is a quicker tranny. They
blow them once in a while, but to them, it is worth it to win their class.
MoPar Performance sells the A-518 (and, I believe, the A500), mainly, I
think, as an install on older vehicles (i.e. - these trannies aren't
controlled via computer and can be retro-fitted to older vehicles). Last I
saw, the A-518's ran for about $1500 (you can usu. get 'em cheaper from
discount dealers, like Mancini's).
'92 Dak CC 2wd 318 3.55
'84 GoldWing Interstate
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