Common questions

How does automatic transmission work on 1955 Thunderbirds?

How does automatic transmission work on 1955 Thunderbirds?

The 1955-57 Thunderbirds, with Automatic Transmission, use a mechanical transmission shifting mechanism. The speed at which your transmission shifts from one gear to another is determined by the length of your kickdown rod. You can vary the shift of your transmission by increasing or decreasing the length of this rod.

Why is the transmission not working on my Ford Thunderbird?

If it does, then you have a problem with the modulator valve or a vacuum line is bad or both. 1 people found this helpful. If you have changed your vacumn modulator valve and it does it May need a band adjustment Is reverse re4al tough to work?

What should the first shift speed be on a Thunderbird?

The speed at which your Thunderbird’s transmission should first shift should be at approximately 28 miles per hour. If your Thunderbird has its correct engine and transmission the following information will allow you to adjust the shift of your transmission.

How big is the output shaft on a 1955 Ford Thunderbird?

The output shaft extension housing should be 16 3/4″ long. The 1955/56/57 Thunderbird automatic transmissions had two different extension housings. The 1955 and 1956 models shared the same housing for the air cooled as well as the water cooled transmission. The 1955/56 type is pictured on the right.

When was the Fordomatic transmission made for the Thunderbirds?

There are fifty eight configurations of the Fordomatic transmission built between 1951 and 1959 that could be adapted for use in the 1955 thru 1957 Thunderbirds. In most cases modifications are required, the shifter lever (P/N 7A256) must be changed and in some cases the kick down lever must also be replaced.

The speed at which your Thunderbird’s transmission should first shift should be at approximately 28 miles per hour. If your Thunderbird has its correct engine and transmission the following information will allow you to adjust the shift of your transmission.

Why do you need to adjust the transmission bands?

When applied, the bands tighten around drive components to hold them in place. To apply exactly right, those bands needed to be adjusted properly. Transmission band adjustment used to be a regular part of a basic transmission service.

The output shaft extension housing should be 16 3/4″ long. The 1955/56/57 Thunderbird automatic transmissions had two different extension housings. The 1955 and 1956 models shared the same housing for the air cooled as well as the water cooled transmission. The 1955/56 type is pictured on the right.

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Ruth Doyle