In trying to help a fellow Stovebolt member, I've come up against some problems and need help. I apologize for the long post.
Background: 1954 Chevrolet 3100 with Hydramatic that was in the family and it is his first set of wheels. He's trying to bring it back to life but has limited finances. The transmission has been rebuilt and converted to open drive using parts from a 1956 Chevrolet Hydramatic. The owner does not know if the "old guy" that has experience with this transmission is still living. To complicate matters the rear axle was changed to a 3.38 ratio. After fighting the battle to make his Rochester BC work properly, he gave up and installed a rebuilt Carter YF 2101S. This has worked well and he is now on the road "having the time of my life". He still has other bugs to work out. As far as the transmission, upshift works. It does not downshift going uphill and there is no passing gear.
I happened to find information that the 1954 Cadillac and 1954 Chevrolet Truck 3100 has the same transmission gear ratio. Also one of the option rear axles for the Cadillac is a 3.36 ratio which is close enough to a 3.38. The Cadillac manual lists the MPH shift points (range). Copy of pages attached.
Documentation we currently access for reference: 7 part Servicing Chevrolet Truck Hydramatic 1954 Chevrolet shop manual Paul Marsh Hydramatic Transmission Service Manual 1946-1955 Hydramatic "on the car" Adjustment Service Manual
The owner has none of the special Hydramatic tools.
I think the first thing to do is set the throttle properly (get us in the ballpark) using gauges J-2545-C and J-5609. As I said the owner doesn't have them. Can a person make their own gauges? Does anyone have dimensions? The J-2545-C is a thick bent metal and/or welded L shaped bracket. One end is held against the transmission rear and the other end has a notch for "Chev". I think gauge J-5609 only holds the bell cam in a maximum fixed position? I was thinking maybe wire it into position?
Last edited by buoymaker; 07/29/20224:47 AM.
"Adding CFM to a truck will only help at engine speeds you don't want to use." "I found there was nothing to gain beyond 400 CFM."
