Re: 55 transmission fluid

Posted by HH56 On 2016/10/22 17:20:07

The closest modern fluid to the original type A is the Ford type F but that is starting to be obsoleted too. Some specialty places now have a "modern" type A but don't know if anyone has used it. If your car still has the original cork faced linings on the bands and clutches I would stick with F because the friction characteristics are closer to the old stuff with a slightly harsher and quicker grab so less slip and wear on the cork faces. The Dexron fluids provide a bit more of a smooth engagement at the expense of some slippage but has been used with no ill effects.

Some say the B&M Trick shift is even better still but that is more expensive than type F and the jury is still out on whether it is that much better.

Unless you are going to drain and refill, the more important question is what was put in there over the years. Don't believe type A has been available since sometime in the 60 or 70s so hard to say what the previous owner might have used.