Chrysler A727 (TorqueFlite) 3-Speed Automatic
Type
Automatic
Speeds
3
Years
1989-1991
Builder
Chrysler
Paired with: Dodge D250/W250 and D350/W350, 12-valve Cummins 6BT
Simplified torque-flow diagram — where this transmission sits in the drivetrain, not a literal cutaway of its internals.
A carryover from Chrysler's gas-truck lineup, the A727 TorqueFlite was the only automatic behind the first-generation Cummins from its 1989 debut until the 4-speed A518 (later 46RH) took over partway through the 1991 model year. It is a simple, non-overdrive 3-speed built well before anyone designed a truck automatic around a diesel's torque.
Strengths
- Very simple hydraulic design with a long production history in Chrysler trucks, so most failure modes are well understood.
- Works reasonably well in stock form; most reported problems come from towing or aftermarket power increases the unit was never built for.
Known weaknesses
Only 3 speeds and no overdrive, so cruising rpm and fuel economy are worse than every transmission that followed it.
Note: Not fixable without swapping to a later 4-speed unit; accept the tradeoff or convert.
Was not engineered around the Cummins' torque curve, unlike the transmissions Chrysler designed later specifically for the diesel.
Note: Keep power levels stock; this is a bone-stock-only transmission.
Sources
- History Of The Cummins-Powered Ram (1989-1993) (DrivingLine) (accessed 2026-09-22)
- 1st Gen Cummins (1989-1993) Pros and Cons (Standard Diesel Direct) (accessed 2026-09-22)