Re: How do I validate 1954 Clipper Deluxe transmission

Posted by HH56 On 2018/7/1 12:37:55

I don't know how familiar you are with the original Ultramatic operation but it was essentially a two range transmission with a transition to direct drive possible in either range. It did not shift between gears. When you select H it starts and stays in high with the torque converter doing the work of multiplication which gives a bit of the benefits of a gear ratio change. Above a speed controlled by throttle linkage and adjustment, it transitions to direct drive which just locks out the torque converter and eliminates any slippage. Same happens in L or low range with the speeds anything happens just being a bit lower. The GS or TU is the same original Ultra with an added operator selected position where the unit does automatically shift between ranges from low to high and then transitions to direct drive. Shift points are again controlled by throttle linkage for the most part. Depending on which position the operator lever selects it will either work like the regular Ultra or in one position do the auto shift. If starting in conventional H range the acceleration is best described as leisurely and may be what you are describing as sluggish.

Is there any "slop" between detents? One of the issues of the TU is the pot metal lever which moves the manual valve in the control body is held to the shaft inside the case by a setscrew. The pot metal can strip which then lets the setscrew loosen and the lever slip on the shaft. I haven't heard anyone mention that on a GS but the arrangement is the same as the TU and since there were so few of the GS in the field compared to the TU it may be a possibility. If it is happening it is possible to be halfway between or even in a different range than you think you are.

The best way to check is to disconnect the horizontal rod on the drivers side of the transmission at the outer trans lever and then move the lever. There should be almost no movement at the end of the lever between detents. If there is the setscrew tightness is suspect and should be fixed before the internal lever fails to move at all.