Re: Resurrecting my 56’ Patrician

Posted by r1lark On 2022/5/30 10:42:00
Quote:

Marvin wrote:
O’Reilly’s auto parts, provided the gasket for the differential and gear oil (85-140). The reason I stopped was realizing the depth of my ignorance. I reviewed the “Packard Service Manual” but failed to answer my questions. Mostly it covered how to repair the internal components of the differential. It also stated that the fluid should be changed annually.
Before I begin loosening bolts, I would like to know a few things.
1. The plug the arrow is pointing to, seems to be the only plug front and back. Is this the check level / fill plug?
2. It’s been a few years since I checked a differential for fluid capacity. I seem to recall, removing the fill plug, and sticking my finger in to check to see that oil was at the bottom of the hole. Is this correct?
3. What else should I look for when the cover is off?
My thought process is that this is a 66-year-old car and I have no way of knowing if any maintenance was done and when. As always, your patience and guidance is extremely appreciated.


1.) Yes, this is the plug to fill and to check level. (To drain the rear axle, you have to remove the rear cover.)
2.) Yes, that is how you check the fluid level.
3.) Metal filings/bits/chunks, evidence of water (milky/milkshake looking fluid), inspect the gear teeth, etc.

Is your front pinion seal leaking? If you are going to drain the rear axle fluid, that would be a good time to change that seal if it's leaking.

Other rear axle maintenance concerns would the the axle bearings, and axle seals. These require the rear drums to be removed so are more easily done when doing rear brake work.

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