I looked thru the Archives for answers to some of my questions about the Dynaflow trannys. I also looked for a rebuild kit for it. The only thing I found was one called a master rebuild kit. Since there were no schematics or blowups of the trans disassembled I have no idea if the master rebuild kit has everything I need. I guess the other question I have is rebuilding a Dynaflow something a novice should attempt? The kit is from an outfit called Classic Transmission Solutions. If anyone has worked with their product I would like to know whether you were satisfied with their products. If anyone has a blow-up of that year tranny I would like to know if I could get a copy to study, or where I would look for one. The libraries around here have dumped their old books, so no help there. Talked to a tranny shop and was told over a grand to be rebuilt. Any help would really be greatly appreciated Asking questions about my Belvedere always got the right answers and information, so figured the guys who know.
the thousand dollar build will save you in the long haul, just make sure they know what they do(years of experience) the self build is a no no for a novice!!
Don't try and learn on this one, it would be easier to do a heart transplant than do the Dynaflow. You could always check around some old shops and maybe find someone that is retired and has experience on them and can help. Look for someone around 88-95 years old and grouchy as hell, thats your guy!
We use Northwest transmission parts(1-800-327-1955).They offer rebuild kits and also hard parts. They also have posters with parts breakdowns.
First thing I'd buy - 1956 Buick Shop Manual ... If it still goes both ways & doesn't leak too badly, I sure wouldn't disturb it.
I am going through rebuilding a '56 Dyanflow, well my cousin who builds transmissions is doing the work, I am just along to watch, and it has been a pain in the ass and exspensive! but that could be because alot of the hard parts were no beuno! Good luck, if you need any info PM me, there isn't a whole lot I could tell ya now other than it would be best to have the old retired guy do it or get him to help assist you with it!
This is one transmission that I question why rebuild the thing? Unless you like the a slushbox of a transmission I would seriously think about swapping with a TH400 (or as Buick named it ST400 from a 65-66 big Buick. The problem is that you need a damn adapter, but the adapter cost is far less than the rebuild kit (500 dollars or so). You will have an up to date trans and a lot more efficient one at that. Check out Wilcap or Bendtsen's adapters. But then again you would have to change out the rear end with an open driveshaft, no fun either. Your choice!
I know of two shops here in town that can rebuild your tranny....of course that is a very heavy trans to be shipping back and fourth .....I do have the shop manual for a 55' Buick....pm me if I can help
Ok, just top clarify. There is no adapter to adapt an ST400 to an early Nailhead. There is an adapter to adapt the Chevy TH400. The bellhousing pattern for the late Nailhead 57-66 is different and that is what the ST400 (or SP400 for that matter) has. For that matter if you're going the adapter route you could use a 200R4 and have overdrive. The 200R4 would be great behind a 322.
Try this link: GOOD PRICES http://www.autotran.us/dfparts1.html BTW: what are the dimensions of your dynaflow from the extension housing face (where it bolts to main case) to the end of the torque tube ball? Would be appreciated if you could get those!
How would it be with a 401? A 401 bored 0.30 with a hot cam and two 4 bbls? I was thinking I would need the stronger 700R4, but I'd rather use a 200 if it will work? Can I just use a custom one-piece driveshaft with the original rear end?
My grandfather started his own transmission shop in 1965 after years at another shop. When my dad remembers grandma tellin him and my aunt to be quiet tonight daddy had to work on a dynaflow today. My dad has worked at the shop since he was a kid and so have I. I have seen one or two dynaflows and hope to never see another. Parts are damned expensive. I would not recomend for a first timer. Just my opinion.
I just paid around a grand to have mine done, I would not try a rebiuld on this one, take it to a shop who knows how to work on old stuff.
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