What transmission originally came in the 1956 Ford Sunliner and what updated transmission can be put on the y-block
The original trans was the Fordomatic. This only showed a low-drive on the indicator but was actually a three-speed. In 'drive' it would normally start out in 2nd, but hammer the throttle from a stop and it would drop into low, or you could pull it into low manually. The early versions were 'air cooled', Ford added water cooling later. In good condition, these were sturdy, reliable transmissions if not all that light. This trans gradually morphed into the FX and MX, then the FMX, and finally the AOD. As far as 'updated' boxes, adaptors are available to install both C4 and AOD trans behind the Y-block, although the AOD swap will require floorpan/frame/crossmember mods because of it's larger size.
The FMX swap is simple if you can find a flex plate from a later y-block.(That's the hard part) that has the starter ring on the flywheel not the converter. The transmission will bolt up to the 56 belhousing on the bottom two holes and you have to drill the trans case for the top holes. the converter snout is different and you will need to make a special pilot bushing to fit the crank to converter snout. hook up the va***m modulator and rear trans mount. not sure of the difference in trans length as to drive shaft. Or for around 500.00 buy a C4 adaptor kit.
so, from what I understand you can use the Ford-o-matic converter and front pump and install them on a cruise-o-matic or a FMX I think you also must use the input shaft so both transmissions must be torn down. I just don't know how much improvement the cruise-o-matic would be but the FMX would be a step up. Both the cruise-o and FMX are heavy cast iron units.
A rather small step.... None of these are considered 'performance' transmissions and if wanting more than just a rebuild your options are very limited... and expensive. If you're intent on modernizing, the C4 would be the best choice. You will give up one feature that the early trans has and the late ones don't; the ability to push-start the car. You can do this with the early Fordomatic; get the car up to about 35 mph in neutral then drop it into drive, it will spin the motor.
Thanks guys I have alot to think about I have the original transmission but been sitting out of the car for 20 years so not sure what I want to do thanks for all the answers and options
You might check and see what the T-Bird guys are doing. Try calling a few stores that supply T-Bird parts. Charlie Stephens
just overhaul the fordomatic theyre very simple and efficient if you still have the correct linkages and adjust properly
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