That's a 1 hour job you can do, 1 adjustment is on the outside of the case, the other is inside, a plugged filter will do just as you describe, adjust the kick down as per the manual, do not just start changing it and taking it for a drive.

Ironically that's what I was talking with my dad about just now.  Was saying with how I felt it slip and the fact that the transmission manual states transmission band adjustment to be done every 15,000 miles seems to tell me I might be able to get away with just a simple adjustment if the band isn't smoked.

Last adjustment I have listed in my grandfather`s notepad that was in the ash tray indicates the bands were adjusted at 75,600 miles on August 2, 1963.  No other listing up to 1980s with a transmission service mentioned.

As of now at 155,000 miles the transmission has gone almost 80,000 miles with no service.  Considering this notepad has things like points, anti freeze change, rear axle oil change, and oil and filter changes I don't think he would have failed to write down when the transmission was serviced but yet write it down once though.

So I was telling my dad I think I am going to just simply take the car to the old timer and ask him what does he think.  Give him the information I have and see if he thinks a simple band adjustment and service would be enough to keep it on the road or if he recommends a overhaul.  I already had my eyes set on a overhaul but if a band adjustment is all it needs I hate to have the old guy pull the transmission out if it doesn't have to come out.


1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan - 292 Y8 - Ford-O-Matic - 155,000 mi

I would try a service and adjustment, the sound you hear maybe a plugged filter.

Correct.  I am going to ask the old timer when he has room to do the rebuild what he recommends to run in it.

I need to email this other guy ask him about the clutch drum hes selling for $90 if its a new unit or if its a used unit as it doesn't state on his site.

Considering how I power braked the car I felt the transmission slip some so the old timer might be right that it might need a clutch drum as well.


1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan - 292 Y8 - Ford-O-Matic - 155,000 mi

DEXRON III is the current DEXRON.

FORD discontinued their version of DEXRON, MERCON.

MERCON V is a synthetic which replaced earlier versions of MERCON.

I am sure the re-builder will give you info as to what is required for make-up/service.

____________________________

Thanks for the reply. Will probably just run Dexeon/Mercon after the rebuild. I was loading the engine up making some carb idle mixture adjustments and it feels like second wanted to slip a bit.

1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan - 292 Y8 - Ford-O-Matic - 155,000 mi

The shop manual shows Type A fluid.  Dexron should be a replacement for it. 

I also forgot to mention from the stories ive been told my grandfather used to drive this car with the foot to the floor.  Don't know if that's a figure of speech or if he literally drove the car floored.  Im waiting how ever on a call from transmission wholesaler.  The guy I need to talk with that will be cutting me a deal since where I work we send all the transmissions there was busy on the other line.

Hopefully the cost for the bands wont be too much more money cause Im thinking about borrowing money till I get back in the swing of things with work after the holidays and get my money saved up again.


1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan - 292 Y8 - Ford-O-Matic - 155,000 mi

Thats what i figured or at the very least the band needs adjustment considering i see its listed transmission is to be serviced at like 15,000 mile intervals and it hasnt been serviced in nearly 80,000 miles.

If i have a slow spell today at work like yesterday im going to call up transmission wholesale which is who we use and work verify the $800 price without hard parts and see if they can give me an estimate for a rebuild with the bands. At least ill know about what im looking at and if its something i can swing to have done now or if its something that will have to wait.

Ive seen it said to use Type F but ive seen it also said quite a bit more that the friction modifiers in type f will eat up the clutchs at an accelerated rate.

1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan - 292 Y8 - Ford-O-Matic - 155,000 mi

I doubt that the rear band would need replaced, it is only applied in low and reverse, and the drum is usually not spinning when those gears are chosen, so no wear.  From the discussion on Fordbarn, I would suggest that your front band is worn out or the servo seals are shot.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"