Re: 1940 Packard 180

Posted by HH56 On 2019/11/22 21:00:53

To identify the unit the R9 will have letters cast on the passenger side of the case. For a 180 unit or the heavy duty unit it will be something like R9-A1. For the light duty OD used in junior cars it will just say R9. The diameter of the transmission input shaft for the 356 engine is about 1 1/8" while the input shaft for the smaller unit is just shy of 1". The R9 solenoid and lockout lever will be located on the passenger side.

Not sure about the markings on the case for the R11 but the main difference is the solenoid and lockout lever will be on the drivers side. Transmission input shaft sizes I believe are the same as the R9 with the 356 engine needing a larger shaft.

For R9 electrical you will need the 6 terminal relay and 4 terminal solenoid which are R9 specific. To eliminate a potential problem in case of a shorted governor or wire you should also get the reverse safety switch and find or fabricate a bracket to add that to your car. Can't remember for sure but I believe the R9 signal light that indicates the OD is ready to engage is incorporated in the panel light switch in a 40 but I don't know if the switch is the same on a car without OD and if not, will it have the lamp socket.

For R11 electrical it is a 4 terminal relay with a fuse on the side of the case and a 2 terminal solenoid. Both are in reproduction although there has been a question if the stem length on the repro solenoid is long enough for the Packard adapter plate. Someone may have tried a repro solenoid and will have to answer that question. There is no signal light with the R11.

Common to both ODs are the lockout cable assy with the lockout switch located at the end of the under dash housing, the governor and a kickdown switch. R9 kickdown sw has 2 terminals, R11 has 4 and while it will look wrong, the R11 or an aftermarket switch will work for the R9 but not the other way around.

You can check with our vendors and keep an eye out on ebay for the R9 items but they are starting to get expensive and harder to find. Flackmaster would be a good place to start. There are a couple of OD specific vendors who have parts for all mfgs that used the B-W ODs that may have some stuff too. You can get a loom made at any of the repro wire harness places but since the car does not have OD now the wires that normally would be part of the main loom are going to have to be handled as extra wires incorporated in a special repro OD loom.