Transmission issues!

[jhenry]

The Cruise-o-matic in my '62 stopped shifting. It won't move out of 1st. I am assuming it is either the vacuum modulator or the governor. My question is how tough are each of these to swap out in the car? From preliminary inspection it appears the transmission support will have to be removed to get at the modulator. Can the governor be accessed with the trans and tail shaft in place? Any tips or tricks are welcome!

[redstangbob]

Sounds like the governor Jerry, there's an access hole in the extension housing to service the governor, but if it's stuck and needs to be removed you'll need to pull the rear housing.

[jhenry]

Thanks Bob. I haven't spent much time under the car lately. How tough is it to pull the tail shaft while laying on your back under the car?

[david]

I have been under my car numerous times. I jack it up and put 6x6 would blocks under the tires and or jack stands. But get it up high enough ,more room the better.

[david]

oh by the way mine didnt shift out of first either when i put everything back in. took it back to my trans guy said it was my shift lnkage inside the pan. it was sticking. Thought it was my governor also. 2 areas to check.

[jhenry]

Thanks David! The car was shifting fine but decided to stop. First I noticed some hesitation shifting into 2nd, then within a few miles it wouldn't move out of first in either drive range. Park, reverse, low and neutral all are in their proper place and work fine.

[jhenry]

Well, I checked the modulator and cleaned up the governor but still no shift out of 1st gear. The car will be going into the shop on Monday.

[jhenry]

UPDATE: Word is I'll be needing a rebuild! They got the tranny to shift, but it goes thru 2nd quickly and slips in 3rd.