Lubing 55-56 Torsion-Level

Posted by Craig Hendrickson On 2010/1/16 15:33:37

This is NOT a thread about the merits/demerits of a T-L Packard, but rather experiences (both personal and public) related to lubricating said chassis.

I've had a few physical problems lately and did not feel like jacking up my 55 Pat and doing a needed oil/filter change and chassis lube. So, I took it to the local "Grease Monkey" franchise instead. First, I went to NAPA to get an oil filter (NAPA 1006) since I was pretty sure that shop would not have one. BTW, my cost on that filter was $12.70 even though I get a preferred discount and that filter also fits 55-57 Chebbie.

Anyway, the shiny-faced young guy at "Grease Monkey" greets me and asks: "1954 or 1955?". I thought that was pretty good until he admitted he did not know what a Packard was or even how to spell it! So, he quotes me $30 for 5 qt of 10W-30 minus $2 since I have my own filter (which of course is more than $2) and the lube job is <b>FREE!</b> Ha, ha on him since that's where I get 'em. Then I hand him a copy of the lube chart on page 4 of the Lubrication section of the Packard Service Manual. "Make sure your guy gets all the zerks," I tell him. I had marked 28 of them on that chart, which includes the non-T/L steering components.

It took about 1/2 hour for the service, but that was OK since I could sit warmly inside and eat my lunch, which I had brought with. Of course I got questions and comments from other patrons during that time, which I cheerfully answered. When completed, I was pleased to pay the $30.06 final bill knowing I got my money's worth. IMO, that is better than laying on the cold concrete floor of my garage and then having to deal with the used oil disposal.