Re: 1956 Packard Patrician Rebuild Project

Posted by Troy Taylor On 2014/8/5 17:56:49

Still working on the rear end. Silly me for trying to be practical. Purchase the exact bearings that I take out and pay the local shop to do the simple step, of turn two bolts to install a differential spreader, and drop the carrier in, tighten 4 bolts and check the back lash. Now, I don't mind paying for labor, but $850 is just nuts.

I have spent the past week doing extensive research since the seniors came with the rare and elusive Dana 53. For those who have not delved into the 53, they are the odd ball and very hard to find parts for a master rebuild. I have found a complete master rebuild kit that includes, crush sleeve, gaskets, new bolts, and gear goo to check the tooth engagement for proper alignment.

The normal kits for a kit runs under $200 but again with the magic words Packard, Dana 53, that kit is just shy of $400. Well worth it as it is a master kit will all the little parts. I have a housing spreader on order and will soon have a brand new rear end.

I talked to the tech department and spec'ed out the bearing races etc. and this is the kit. Once I get it and verify in person that it is exact, I will share the data for anyone else who is in need of work on the 53.