Re: Ultramatic Shifting Question

Posted by Jim L. in OR On 2012/7/22 16:22:19

As I'm getting to know the T-U in my '55 I find that I get a whine when in Park cold or hot - just like the Power Glide in my parents '57 Chev from new.

I too mainly use the "H" range as my T-U seems to like that better. Upshifts in "D" are still high and a little harsh until the transmission is warmed up but it's getting better. "H" range upshifts are a little late (I guess) and can be felt until it is driven for a few blocks but that's getting better as well. I figure I should give the T-U a little time given that it sat parked for 27 years - actually, given that it has only had the "drop pan and clean pan & screen" with new fluid service, I'm amazed that it works at all.

The Ultramatic in my '51 will smoothy shift into Lock-up as soon as engine speed stops climbing or 25mph, whichever comes first - almost always the former unless I'm trying to get up to merge speed on a freeway on ramp. Also, I don't do the freeway thing all that much in the '51 as since there were very few "freeways" when that transmission was designed. I try to drive it and the '55 in the context of their time.