Re: Asking the men and women who own one...

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2009/4/4 9:44:25

As for the automatic transmission. The consensus seems to be that they are a good transmission and reliable if used as the maker intended.

Put the transmission in drive and let it do its stuff. Use the low gear only for emergencies such as starting off on a hill or when you wish to drive very slowly. Make a habit of starting in low for extra performance and you will shorten the life of the transmission.

Here is another thing. Some owners have reported that you can cure a balky transmission by changing to B&M brand transmission fluid. This makes the transmission work like new again. It seems to clean out sludge, and revitalise parts. No guarantees but worth a try.

One feature all Ultramatics have is a lockup torque converter. At speeds above 25 MPH the torque converter locks up and you get the same performance gas mileage as a standard trans.

To answer your other question. Packard has an open driveshaft and it is possible to change to a standard trans. But if you really want a standard I suggest you pass over the automatic and buy a standard car. It would cost as much to change the car over as it is worth.

Personally I would try out the car and if the trans worked, cross my fingers and buy it. Then change the oil and filter and check the adjustments.

Another thing to keep in mind, in normal service the transmission did not shift at all. It started off in hi and stayed there. This made for a very smooth ride but shall we say, leisurely acceleration. They were after the ultimate in smoothness comfort and convenience not performance.