In Drive Range (D) – First Gear, torque from the engine is multiplied through the torque converter and transmission gear sets to the vehicle’s drive axles. The planetary gear sets operate in reduction to achieve a First gear starting ratio of 4.689:1.

Torque from the engine is transferred to the transmission through the engine flywheel which is bolted to the torque converter assembly (14).

As the torque converter turbine rotates, the 5-7-reverse and 6-7-8-9 clutch housing (530) and the turbine shaft (547) which is splined to the torque converter turbine, is also forced to rotate at turbine speed.

The input sun gear (551), which is splined to the turbine shaft (547), drives the input carrier assembly (552) pinion gears.

The input carrier assembly pinions walk around the input internal gear (overdrive carrier) (546) and drive the input carrier assembly (552).

The 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch plates (591-600), splined to the output sun gear (522) and the 1-reverse and 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch piston housing (590), are applied and hold the output sun gear (522) stationary.

With the 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch applied, the output sun gear (522) is held stationary to the 1-reverse and 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch piston housing (590).

The output internal gear (input carrier assembly) (552) drives the output carrier assembly pinions, which then drive the output carrier assembly (555) around the stationary output sun gear (522).

The input carrier assembly (552) pinion gears attempt to drive the overdrive carrier (546) in the direction opposite of engine rotation, but the carrier is held stationary by the 1-reverse and 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch piston housing (590). When the throttle is released, however, the 1-reverse and 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch piston housing (590) will overrun, allowing the vehicle to coast, at least briefly, until the TCM determines that engine braking is required. At that time, the 1-reverse and 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch piston will apply and hold the 1-reverse and 1-2-3-4-5-6 clutch piston housing inner race.

The overdrive carrier (546) is held by the 1- Reverse and 1-2-3-4-5-6 Clutch Piston housing (590).

The output carrier transfer drive gear hub (502) is splined to, and driven by, the output carrier assembly (555).

The drive sprocket (234), splined to and driven by the output carrier transfer drive gear hub (502), drives the drive link (233) which drives the driven sprocket (241).

The driven sprocket (241), driven by the drive link (233), is splined to the front differential carrier sun gear (240).

The front differential carrier sun gear (240), is in mesh with, and drives, the front differential carrier (238), thus transferring power to the front differential carrier and to the drive axles.