How do I set TF727 oil level - New dip-stick

[GL1]

What is the correct oil level in a TF727? (Warm and has been run through all gears - the corrrect procedure before checking the oil level)? The reason I ask is that I bought a 727 without the dip-stick and I am going to modify a GM stick and tube for the 727. I have no other vehichles to compare with. I have no standard dip-stick / dipstick to compare with. Someone told me the oil level should be at the same level as the pan gasket. Is this right? A measurable distance either from the gasket surface or a similar point would be OK.

[stump runner]

had to replace a broken dip stick once. 1:drained and filled with new oil ( volume from the service manual ) 2ushed in a new longer than necessary stick 3:measured from top of tube to finger pull 4:cut stick same amount 5:reinsert stick to locate full line 6:drill tiny hole at full line.

good luck!

[GL1]

OK. Thank you for good advice. To the best of my limited knowledge I would believe this would work fine if you have the old end of the dipstick and can see where the max/min lines are and/or assume the dipstick is supposed to just touch the bottom of the pan. I don't have the old dipstick and I dont trust the dipstick is supposed to just touch the bottom of the pan. Setting the oil level to high is really damaging to the tranny. Therefore I need to know the oil level for sure by having a distance form a known surface. Example: Pan gasket surface or similar.

[Gator]

keep in mind that on a 727 the fluid has to be checked in neutral with the engine running... the front pump doesnt run on many mopar trannys in park and i've known alot of people who have ruined them because they improperly checked the fluid levels while the trans was in park

[GL1]

Thank you, Gator. I was not aware of that. Great adwice. You wouldn't happen to know the oil level as well? I'm guessing the oil level is supposed to be flush with the pan gasket.

[Gator]

im not sure what the proper fluid level is but i think these guys have the right idea...
1. drain the fluid out of the trans
2. find a service manual or google the capacity of your trans
3. fill trans up with recomended amount
4. check with your dipstick and etch a line were the new fluid level is

this should do the trick. just pay attention to how the tranny acts and if you have slipage or lazy shifts you know the trans is too low on fluid

[Gator]

i believe your trans holds 5 quarts and your converter holds 3.5 quarts

[GeeAea]

The pan drain and fill is 4 quarts on the 1980 evolution across all offerings that I could reference. Naturally, as was mentioned, the converter holds a bunch ..and the checking procedure is in NEUTRAL.

The neutral check is required in some combos. In some mid 80's Fords, the cooling circuit is not operating in PARK.

Automatic Transmission, A727(36RH) Initial Fill..........4.0 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
3 speed w/o lockup A727(36RH)..........8.6 quarts
3 speed w/ lockup A727(36RH)..........8.4 quarts

Here's for a Wagoneer - same as the J20

Automatic Transmission, A727, 36RH Initial Fill..........4.2 quarts[2][3]
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
3 speed A727, 36RH..........8.4 quarts

Naturally YMMV

[GL1]

Great info. Related to my problem I think I just have to find a FSJ owner with the original/stock dipstick / 727 tranny and adjust the level marks on the one I bought.

[GL1]

...because I don't use the stock oil cooler and oil cooler lines. I have a non-stock oil cooler and use hoses instead of pipes. I am swapping from in-line six and manual four speed to 304 and TF727. Everything is completely dry of oil now...

I can not go for setting the oil level based on volume of oil. I need either to compare with another tranny, or get a distance in mm/inch from a known point/surface.