1954 transmission removal question

[Guy M.]

Can the tranny be removed without removing the engine? I would think the X brace would keep it from coming out. Thanks!!

[Edward J.]

Re: 1954 transmission removal question

Guy, in similar posts below is your answer. You will need a really good transmission jack and a screw jack to raise or lower the engine. Nothing is light it’s one heavy unit.I hope someone else has some input. The last power glide I did was a 63, and it was aluminum. I had to slide back as far as possible and then lower the front of trans to clear engine and frame. The screw jack was used to raised or lowered to clear engine Block.

[Guy M.]

Re: 1954 transmission removal question

Thanks Edward I appreciate that. The problem I'm having is when the car sits for 3 or 4 weeks fluid splashes out the dip stick tube at start up. Its not holding the fluid in the converter I think. It shifts great but this overflow situation has me stumped. Its something specific but I don't know what it is. Anyone else had this problem? The fluid is just backing up. Thanks for any input.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1954 transmission removal question

Thanks Edward I appreciate that. The problem I'm having is when the car sits for 3 or 4 weeks fluid splashes out the dip stick tube at start up. Its not holding the fluid in the converter I think. It shifts great but this overflow situation has me stumped. Its something specific but I don't know what it is. Anyone else had this problem? The fluid is just backing up. Thanks for any input.

Guy, I know that this situation has been brought here before. It surely sounds like a check valve if the converter is draining back it would make since the fluid would dump out the dip stick. I would look through the archives to see if you can find some info. I think the problem your going to find is someone experienced with the older power glides. Before you even start see if you can find a old timer that knows how to fix the problem. I know there are a few people here on the TDB that maybe of help.

[Lynn L.]

Re: 1954 transmission removal question

yes, remove transmission mount, may need to remove valve cover, support rear of engine block against firewall
enough tilt to allow powerglide removal (will drop between X frame.

[Mike M.]

Re: 1954 transmission removal question

Fatsco, in northern new jersey, is the shop very familiar with the old cast iron poerglides. they ad in Hemmings for contact info. mike

[Brad H.]

Re: 1954 transmission removal question

Guy, just saw this thread. I was having that issue on my 54 years back. if I started the car in neutral, with minimal revving at startup, tranny would not burp fluid out d. stick. good luck. Brad.

[Joel A.]

Re: 1954 transmission removal question

Early 'Glides would burp like that if the vent was stopped up....I have some info on that somewhere....I'll see if I can find it...

[Tony R.]

Re: 1954 transmission removal question

But in 54 I do not believe that there was a vent. I think that came a few years later. So, good news is no vent to get plugged. Bad news is there's no vent. :-)

[Guy M.]

Re: 1954 transmission removal question

Thanks folks for all the good advice, Ill try the start in neutral method and see what happens. What sucks is the tranny shifts great.

[Tony R.]

Re: 1954 transmission removal question

I have heard that it helps to shut down in reverse and start in neutral. I can understand the latter, but not sure why the former helps. But then, I don't super understand automatic transmissions. :-)