1957 Transmission Install-Need Tips on Reinstalling the Rear End

[Brandon Todd]

Hello, I am installing my freshly rebuilt Dynaflow on a 57 4dr HT. I already have the transmission in the car and hooked up to the motor, I am needing some advice on hooking the rear end back up into the transmission. I know how it goes together, it just seems like a difficult task to "push" the rear end back into the transmission. I wanted to ask someone who has done this before on how they managed to get this done, and if they could give me some pointers.

Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

Brandon T.

[Bhigdog]

Some nylon straps and cheap hardware store turnbuckles work well to "PULL" the rear forward. They give very precise control...........Bob

[avgwarhawk]

Having the rear end and tube as level with the tail shaft of the transmission helps in joining the two. Although I have a manual the tail shafts are basically the same. I kept the axle on it's tires and positioned the two joining ends level to each other. I was able to push the entire assembly forward without any assistance. If you need to level the rear more use a jack on wheels. Position under the axle and raise until the nose of the assembly is level with the tail shaft. Push forward until touching. You might have to spin the rear wheels to have the drive shaft splines line up.

Edited May 5, 2015 by avgwarhawk (see edit history)

[JohnD1956]

Although I have not done this in decades, I would suggest that if the unit does not glide together easily, stop! And re-adjust the angle of the torque tube to the torque ball. I would hesitate to pull the units together as that might mask any binding occurring. Also make sure your floor jack is on something that will allow it to roll easily. These two pieces should just slip together.

[Caballero2]

This problem has been discussed on numerous occasions. What I might add is that the Chassis Service Manual is important. The above discussion is part of the process. But, it is important on the '57 that the nose of the driveshaft be aligned with the 'U' joint in the tail of the transmission. Check the link below for one of the discussions. - Dan

http://forums.aaca.org/f162/58-buick-rear-drive-train-questions-292230.html

[avgwarhawk]

Truthfully, if you align the torque tube with the tail shaft and push it will join. It is a one man operation. I know...I was the one man that accomplished installation. :cool:

[60FlatTop]

I have a bunch of bolts in a drawer that I use for alignment pins. They are just 4" bolts of varying sizes with the heads cut off and a screw driver slot cut across the end with a hacksaw. They come in handy for all kinds of jobs. We used a couple when we put the rear end back in my '60.

Bernie

[MrEarl]

I sit the pumpkin up on an old Mac rolling stool, hook a hand winch up between it and something (I forget what) up front and draw it up. I also use guide pins made out of bolts of which I cut slots into with a metal cutting blade on a 4 inch grinder. This lets you unscrew them once it is aligned and two bolts inserted and loosely tightened down. Then I go have a beer.

[buick5563]

New thread idea:

"Buick guys after work"

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Brandon Todd]

Thank you all for the great tips! Ill let you know how it goes!

[Smartin]

There is a blind spline that needs to be lined up with the transmission. Look on the shaft coming out of the torque tube. It will have a blank spline that fits together in a certain spot in the transmission yoke.

I fought mine for an hour before I actually read the manual and found this information.

[Brandon Todd]

Yeah, i finally got the thing to slide in, (it kind of did so on its own), but sadly the splines arn't lined up. So im guessing im going have to push it back out and line em up.

[60FlatTop]

There is always the guy who has to overdo it and wire brush his housing.

Bernie