Re: Henry's 55 Constellation

Posted by HH56 On 2009/10/26 8:11:21

Flange change also applies in 55 but aside from the flange, the only other major difference between transmissions is the converter. In 55, the converter for Caribbean was different with a higher stall speed for the higher HP engine and some spring changes in valve body to take advantage of that. In 56, while the valve body was considerably different internally and in function across the line, the higher stall speed converter also was installed in all hardtops including Clipper.

One other thing when mixing and matching parts is be aware of some running changes. I don't know if there were many internally in 55--some with linkages externally & maybe some thrust washers-- but 56 trans had several changes to valve body, low range servo, and associated. There were spring combinations tried, those changes discarded when another change made, then re installed with another change to valve body etc.

Would be a good idea to look at the trans serial numbers and then the bulletins & Service Counselors to see if any changes. There are bulletins listing several versions of the same thing with a specific serial number range where tried. Don't know how drivable things would be if one version mixed with another without applying the complete change but probably wouldn't be the end if they were.