Today I removed the flywheel/clutch cover, removed the bracket that goes under it, and removed all the pan bolts. The pan is stuck in place, probably some sealant that was used when it was put together. I then noticed 2 about 3 inch pieces of rubber hanging down from behind the rear of the pan. I gave them a little pull and this 7 inch long piece of rubber came out. Looks to me like it is the lower half of a rear main seal.
The flywheel/clutch cover was oily inside and out, although the flywheel and clutch mechanism appears to be dry, and the clutch still works very smoothly.
I guess I will need to pull the engine to put a new rear main seal in or can this be done without removing the engine?
Picture of the offending rubber piece.

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I would like to thank you all for the useful information. I was under the car today and could not get any movement at the bearing at the center steering link. Is it easy to move when bad?
Tomorrow I will go under the car and give the pan removal a shot. I have been dealing with cancer all year and sometimes I just cannot accomplish too much at one time.
For the last 35 years I did upholstery on collector cars and also painted some Packards for other people. I am now in the process of stripping my car, doing some minor body work, and will paint it and upholster it in black leather. I am having Trianon Green Metallic paint custom mixed. I think it is a lovely color. Right now most of the car is stripped and over half of the upholstery is done, ready to install after the paint is done.
My Packard before I took it apart.

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Ken, thank you for the very quick and informative reply. I am not a computer genius. How would I find your blog on the center steering link?
All of the front end suspension parts will only let the front of the pan drop about 1 inch. Will that leave enough room to do the pan removal?

I have been informed I can remove the engine pan while the engine is in the car. Is this correct?
When I am under the car it does not look possible with all the front suspension stuff just an inch or so below the front of the pan. What do I need to do to remove the pan? What position does the crankshaft need to be turned to accomplish this?
The front fenders, radiator and head are off the car, as I intend to paint the car. I did a compression check and cylinders 1 and 3 were at 70 pounds. The others were all 90 to 100 pounds. Oil in 1 and 3 made 1 come up to 100 pounds, but 3 did not change, so I assume I have bad rings on 1 and a valve problem on 3.
Thank you in advance for any advice and help I get.