This may be a dumb question but is there any way to tell if a 727 is good to run as is without tearing it completely apart to inspect the clutches etc?

I ask because I have a '75 727 that only has roughly 40k miles on it that I want to use in my 73 New Yorker. It's been sitting a few years and I was going to get it rebuilt anyways for piece of mind but I figure with so few miles it is probably fine as is. I removed the pan and the fluid looked normal, no signs of water getting in etc. I never really messed with transmissions so I don't know what I'm looking for though. Should I adjust the bands (and how)? Replace the front seal? Or leave it well enough alone and hope for the best?

(1)adj both bands (2) R&R the front pump seal (pack the rear side of it w vaseline to keep the spring from coming off during installation). (3) R&R the filter and use the good MP pan gasket (4) run it

If you'r going to drop the pan you could take a few more minutes and do an air check just to make sure all the systems are engaging as they should.

How do you adjust the bands exactly? The FSM just mentions loosening the lock nuts, and tighten the band bolt to 72 in/lbs. That's it?

There should be a "BACK OFF # OF TURNS" listed in the manual as well.

Tighten to 72 in lbs then back off. Usually 2 or 2 1/2 turns. It varies by model and application.

You MUST do this back-up-#-of-turns step... EVERY TIME!! ....DAMHIK, but have you ever heard a low reverse band snap? Cast iron doesn't mean "indestructable"

drop the pan first look for metal shavings black fluid is clutches,if it looks good change the front seal put white grease on it put a quart in the converter, fire that puppy in adjust band according to the service manual . like we say at the shop,,, trany shop you can put sand in the 727 or turbo 400 and they will still work they are great transmissions the 727 that is ..

You use a special 1/4" drive socket (it's cheap) to fit the odd shaped adjuster nub and torque it to 72 INCH lbs w your 1/4" torque wrench then back it off (CCW) the specified # of turns say 2 or 2&1/2 then hold it in position and lock the large nut down but you can much simpler just adj each band to where it has 5/16" of play before the lever contacts the servo and with the pan off you'll be easily able to see/gauge this but I will defer to Kunkel for the final word on whether this is the correct procedure for you on this.