Torque specs

Posted by Randy Berger On 2008/3/15 23:55:02

I have had my 56 trans rebuilt by friend Ron and am installing it to the engine. The installation torque specs in the shop manual raises a question.
a. The manual states that the ten 7/16-14 bolts that bolt the converter housing to the transmission case should be tightened to 55-60 ft-lbs.
b. Then the manual further states that the 7/16-14 bolts that bolt the converter housing to the engine should be tightened to 25-30 ft-lbs.
The torque specified at (a) seems excessive and we double checked the manual at the time because Ron thought that was a heavy torque for the aluminum case.
The torque specified at (b) seems light given the spec at (a).
It dawned on me that the manual was written in 1955 when the transmission case was cast-iron. I don't see any changes made allowing for the new aluminum case used in 1956.
Can anyone offer some insight? I've checked and there are no modified specs for 1956 that I can see. I've checked my own manual and the one posted on this site and see no modifications for 1956. Am I wrong or did Packard forget to document new torque specs and what should they be?
All opinions welcome.