Allison Automatics

I pull 5500 mod tractors. I would like to find information on modifying a 545 Allison to make it fully manual shifted. It is old enough it has no electronics. Can any of our group sick me on to info or people with info on this project?

Perry

My dad and I are in the same boat as you. We have a 1976 F250 with a 466 and a 545 behind it. We have tried to find information on this as well. We have been talking to an engineer at Allison's here in Indianapolis and he has helped us get in touch with some people. We took it to a shop where the guy did some work on the valve body but we haven't been able to test it due to the front end being replaced. Also we were told to do some welding on the governor. My dad knows the specifics. If you find anything out let me know. I will do the same.

Side note. We bought a torque converter that was supposed to have a 4000 stall speed. It wasn't even close. Have you had luck with converters?

I have not yet even started up with the converter side of the project. In our tractor
we currently run a rollerized C6 w/ a converter that gives us about 1900-2000rpm when the tires start to turn. I think we could use a little more slip, but have not spent money on converters. We are looking for a way to get a lower gear out of the hole and the ability to then shift to the 2.5 ratio that the C6 uses for low. My manual says the Allison has a 3.5 low, 2.5 second. We shift at about 5800, (which is higher than Allison says) and have not found anyone who will admit knowing anything about the 545. Maybe I should pay attention to that Thanks for the info! I'll stay in touch
and let you know if I can find anything. Good Luck!
Perry

what do you run for a rear?

We currently run a much modified "H" Farmall. We need a 42:1 final drive and are currently getting there with a 2.5 low in the C6 and direct in the H trans. We could get there with the hi speed 4th gear set (41:29 tooth) and drive in the C6, but the bearing race on the front of the countershaft will not stand the load. We are currently building a new bearing set up with roller bearings in place of the ball. Hopefully we can live with this and make the Allison un-necessary, but I"m a pessimist and am going ahead with the Allison.
Perry

Why not have the wide ratio gear set from a e4od(4 pinion) or 4r100(6 pinion) installed in your c-6 2.72 1st gear, 1.54:1 second gear, 1:1 third gear, stock c-6 is 2.46:1, 1.46:1, and 1:1

Our low class is relatively underpowered, so ratio is hyper-critical. We cannot haul any lower than our 42:1 , but we cannot give up our tire speed without losing some distance. There are a few members running the 2.71 low, but I'm getting past them now. If I can just get the tires up a little sooner and shift into my current speed it should help. We about all finish within 5 or 6 feet, so a little is alot.
Perry

how modified is it? I/E dollars involved.
An M is not really strong enough, so i can imagine what an H is like
one of my friends runs an M and he has the same problem... not enough tire speed or not enough power depending on the gear.
I have a 44 massey rear. It used to pull well with the previous owner, however with my junk its still under construction. THe cockshut 40 stuff seems to be working well fwiw.

however thats not the question.....

If you're thinking of a tranny change what about a standard and a dual disk slipper?

I'm almost embarrassed(sp?) to tell all we have done to this "H" . Luckily we do it all in house, so it's only hobby time, not money out! "M" axles, oversize bearings, custom input shaft etc. It keeps me out of the bar! It is now a matter of principal ya know! We can pull in direct with no trouble but just really need to shift up to get our tire speed up sooner. We must run an automatic, no manuals, clutches, etc. Really is a poor mans class, on purpose! Used to run mini rods w/ alchohol big blocks, 8-71, Crower 3 disc, Lenco two speed, etc. Now want to play in a class with a little less maintenance (less $). With steel wheels and all iron block, heads, intake, etc. we dont have alot of extra weight to throw, but we have alot of fun!
Perry

hpwdboss1 wrote: I'm almost embarrassed(sp?) to tell all we have done to this "H" . Luckily we do it all in house, so it's only hobby time, not money out! "M" axles, oversize bearings, custom input shaft etc. It keeps me out of the bar! It is now a matter of principal ya know! We can pull in direct with no trouble but just really need to shift up to get our tire speed up sooner. We must run an automatic, no manuals, clutches, etc. Really is a poor mans class, on purpose! Used to run mini rods w/ alchohol big blocks, 8-71, Crower 3 disc, Lenco two speed, etc. Now want to play in a class with a little less maintenance (less $). With steel wheels and all iron block, heads, intake, etc. we dont have alot of extra weight to throw, but we have alot of fun!
Perry

What about a bushing in place of the bearing. One of my other freinds shifts up as soon as he comes out of the hole and it seems to work well for him, however its on a case diff.
I saw a video of him, I'll see if I can find it as there is a good one that shows his wheel speed as well.

Perry,

You need to call Dan Dishon in Logansport, in. He has done C-6 pulling transmissions for 20 years for me( until I went to a clutch) & other guys in our class. We would take them into him every winter and he would go through them. He would only replace the bad parts and charge us very little to do it. If you call him tell him Mike Haselby told you to call him. Explain to him what is going on and he will fix you up. If I were still running an automatic he is the man I would go to. He has also messed with Allisons some too, he would be able to tell you if what you are wanting to do is possible.



Mike

Mike I am not the one that started the thread but thank you for the contact information. I would like to speak to him about the Allison.

I believe his phone number is 574 722 5915. He is also a drag racer. He used to race motorcycles at Bunker Hill and around. When his son was growing up I know they were into Jr. dragsters, but that has been a few years ago. Super nice guy and will not lead you astray.



Mike

Thank you very much!

I know that some of the garbage trucks around here use a truck 429 Ford with an Allison transmission so, there is a bellhousing bolt pattern match.

If I remember correctly the one that came from the international bus that had a 345 bolted up to the 460.