64 galaxie questions

just picked up a 64 galaxie, 390, cruise-o-matic.

the trans has a hard time shifting into third. I hear this is the vacuum line issue a few folks have mentioned but I do not know much about these transmissions and thus do not know what I'm looking for. Also, this trans has the option of starting in 2nd or 1st gear BUT, when starting in 1st, you must move the shifter back to "D" for 2nd and 3rd. Is there a way to simply have all three gears in one shifter position with this trans?

I'm on a budget and want to lower the car just a bit. plans include one coil cut up front and 2" blocks in the rear. Although, one thing I want to avoid, of course, is too soft a ride too low to the ground. I know cutting the coils increases the spring tension, which is what I want (probably a stiffer sway bar, too), but what can I do for the rear, short of airshocks? I was thinking about adding another leaf to the spring pack but couldn't find anyone else taking this route. Is this not a good option, or is there a better choice that I'm overlooking? remember, tight budget.

thanks for your time and help.

patrick

 

Why not just use a lowering block in the back?

 

a freind and i used 2 inch lowering block in the rear, and it looks ok, i would have gone lower, but it looks like the springs are bending upwards wich looks like they might snap...

 

****** - just make sure a vacuum line is run from your intake back to approx. 2/3 of the way back on the trans - there should be a canister about 1-1/2" in diameter. The vacuum line should hook up to that. Also, from experience with a couple of these trannies is when they sit for quite a while or have alot of miles on them, they take forever to shift into 3rd gear, really slushy. It may be in need of a rebuild (probably better of switching to a C6 in that case), but you can try a can of conditioner first. It is supposed to help expand some of the internal seals and might also help your shifting problem.

I'd try cutting 1 coil in the front to see where you end up.
In the rear, as already stated, try a 2" block. It should not change the "softness" or firmness of your ride. All it does is move the axle up 2" in relation to the springs and body.

Hope this helps ya!

Malcolm

 

Also with those cruiso's, i have some friends that have had problems and they changed out the fluid and the filter and it made a huge difference with the sloppy shifting.

Is the shifter in the middle gear ?

The low gear with stay in 1st [ i think ? ]
The middle gear [ D ] should start off in 1st and run through all gears.
The 3rd gear will start off in 2nd and go on through 3rd.

L

 

I realize how lowering blocks work. What I'm worried about is the ride being too soft and being that much closer to the ground, especially if I have friends sitting in the backseat, or a trunk-full of... beer?

I want a stiffer and lower than stock rear suspension. Is adding a leaf to the spring pack a bad idea with 2" blocks?

beer me.

 

Just through some blocks in there and it will be fine

L

 

You could try stationwagon rear springs & also fit blocks or get the leaves reset, this will enable you cart fat chicks in the back & beer in trunk !