Good evening,

I hope someone can help with this question. In my '57 shop manual on pages 3-42 and 3-73 the procedure for removing the splined companion flange from the trans output shaft is with a puller (out) and and install tool (back in). I pulled the drive shaft to have it balanced and the shop wants to do so with the companion flange. Between us we can't figure out if the companion flange should easily slide onto the splined output shaft of the transmission or does it need to be pressed on and off with a tool. Should the splines be tight enough that I cannot simply hand push the flange into position or grab it with my hand and pull it off? This is a Jetaway Hydramatic transmission. I appreciate any and all input, David

I moved your thread. Hopefully one of our vintage Oldsmobile members can answer your question.

It looks like a single bolt holds the companion flange to the output shaft.

Thanks Charlie. Yes, you are correct, there is a single bolt and large washer that retains the companion flange. Between my transmission expert and myself, we are trying to learn if the splines on either the output shaft or the flange have been bent/distorted, or whether by design they are tapered or somehow meant to have to be pressed together or pulled apart with a tool.

My first thoughts are they are suggesting to use a "Puller" to remove the companion flange because a "slide hammer puller" could damage some delicate parts in the Rear Planetary Unit.

Re-installing the companion flange would seat properly with a threaded rod and not damage some of those delicate spacers and stuff in the Rear Planetary Unit.

Ralph, thanks for your input. I called a long time Oldsmobile guy named Clifford Church yesterday and he indicated that for 1957 and 1958 Oldsmobile 88 models, the companion flange was a tight fit and could be removed with a puller or light tapping with a hammer. I don't know why other than we discussed the location of the slip joint for the drive shaft which had been changed over a period of years/models - from the center bearing to the companion flange, and maybe toward the differential. During this time the move from a two-piece to a one-piece drive shaft also occurred.

The slip joint location was changed from the back of the trans to the center bearing in the 1957 thru 1960 transmissions.
I would use a puller such as a harmonic balancer puller and a longer center bolt to remove the companion flange.
And then, as Ralph suggested, a piece of threaded rod and a nut to draw it back into place.
Using a hammer is not a good idea.

Yep, you need a puller. I rebuilt my three Jetaway transmissions and bought the proper tool that i found on flea bay made by Kent moore. if i remember right.
Those companion flanges don't just slip on and off.