Re: 1941 PACKARD 120

Posted by HH56 On 2024/5/4 15:18:23

In addition to checking the bushings for wear check the long rod ends because the pins that are formed on the end of the rods and go into the bushings are a known wear point. After disassembly some have been found almost worn in half. Also lubricate the levers at the bottom of the steering column. The two levers must be absolutely free to rotate independently on the shaft and there is no provision to properly lubricate the top lever. If the top lever rusts or corrodes or otherwise tries to stick on the shaft it can affect the entire shift action to the point of even locking it up.

When the operator lever is in the relaxed position, a selector tongue is positioned in the upper lever located at the base of the steering column and as you shift gears to second or third that upper lever turns to move the rod that selects second or third gear at the transmission. When the operator lever is pulled back toward the operator the selector tongue moves downward and enters a space in the lower lever so you can select reverse or first. If the upper lever is sticking it moves its rod first and once it moves the interlock in the transmission can prevent reverse or first from being able to be engaged.

Here is a photo showing the levers at the base of the column as used in a later year. Your 41 with the exception of the lever shapes and I believe where they are positioned when in neutral will be identical in operation. Place a few drops in the oil hole to get the inner mechanism and lower lever and try to get a few drops to run down the shaft on the outside to get behind the upper lever. If you cannot move the lever to get space for drops of oil below the washer you may need to remove the clip and washer at the top to get a decent amount of oil to flow between the lever and shaft..

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