Hi all, newb with a 1965 lemans sedan.

[A1awind]

I just bought a 32,000mi 65 lemans sedan. I'm loving this car, I love driving it, I love looking at it..it's one of my favorite muscle cars.

It was well loved but I'm trying to catch up on maintenance. I have a very annoying squeak coming from the rear. I can make it squeak simply by lightly shaking rear end...even shutting a door causes the squeak. I checked the bushings and they seem fine. Also the st300 clunks when It downshifts back into low comming to a stop. I have read that this is most likely a modulator...is that a hard/complicated fix?

 

[melsg5]

have you tried spraying the top of the rear springs where they sit in the spring pocket with wd40? Latter models they installed a rubber cushion because the spring made noise against the pocket when it shifts. Not that familiar with that trani, quite often it is external and is easy to replace on other transmissions.

 

[A1awind]

have you tried spraying the top of the rear springs where they sit in the spring pocket with wd40? Latter models they installed a rubber cushion because the spring made noise against the pocket when it shifts. Not that familiar with that trani, quite often it is external and is easy to replace on other transmissions.

I did spray all the 4 link bushings with wd40 however I didnt spray the springs. They do however have rubber isolators

 

[melsg5]

only other thought is exhaust system rubbing against something or just have someone bounce the car as you try to isolate the source underneath.

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[A1awind]

dunno why i didnt think to look at the exhaust... ill have to check it tomorrow.

 

[A1awind]

well, the squeaking still exists. it goes away temporarily if i spray the rear bushings...so that answers that. the transmission issue however, we applyed vac to the line for the modulator. when vac is released it clicks it also holds vacuum. could it still be bad?
i have a holley 600cfm carb on it and and edlebrock intake. could the vac line be plugged in at the wrong place? its plugged into a port on the base of the carb....so im guessing its getting constant vacuum.

 

[melsg5]

remove the hose with the engine running, the vacuum port you are using should have suction at idle and when you open the throttle by hand. If you havent already done so replace the transmission filter and fluid and might as well replace the modulator to cover that possibility.

 

[cammerjeff]

Congrates on your 65!!!! The More Door Body Styles are growing on me as I get Older.

As for the ST-300 downshifting noise, I seem to remember the ones I used to have did the same thing. But I haven't owned a car with a ST-300 in almost 30 years.

I would do as previously suggested, change the fluid and Filter, and replace the Modulator. (held in by 1 bolt and a small tab) And if that has no effect I would not worry about it. You could always try different Vacuum ports, see how it acts when hooked to Manifold Vacuum, or Ported vacuum (from a source above the throttle blades of the carb)

But do not Flush that TRANS!!!!!! Surest way to kill and Old transmission is to have a Trans Shop or Oil Change shop Flush it.

Remember that not only is that trans in your car almost 50 years old, the early automatic transmissions do not act like a modern transmission, even when working properly they will not shift like a modern transmission.

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[A1awind]

i need to do this soon. i noticed a shudder when reversing up a grade. hopefully i can kill two birds with one stone.....or else....2004r conversion!