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I'm having an issue with my 51 200 Deluxe. The rear main seal is bad and is getting oil onto the clutch. The clutch was slipping so bad I could barely get it into the driveway. I already have a rear main seal and oil pan gasket. To replace the seal the manual says you have to remove the tranny. We used to be able to replace the rope rear seal on other makes-the Big 3, with out removing the tranny. I have never tried this on a Packard. The other thing is I don't know if I could get the clutch cleaned up enough from the bottom by spraying brake cleaner. This worked on most cars except for some of the trucks. Any help or advice? Thanks, Tracy in Omaha,

You can read how I replaced the rear Main seal on my 53 327. I used a new graphite rope type. Page 38-39 of my clipper Blog.
Mike's 53 clipper

It can be done, but it is tricky.

Also don't forget the end of the transmission input shaft rides in a bearing in the center of the crankshaft flange. When loosening things and messing with the seal, with the transmission still in position don't put a lot of stress at that point or you could wind up damaging the bearing or the input shaft.

Thanks Mike and Howard. Pretty much straight forward rope seal install. I have never done one is a car this old-mostly did 10-15 year old cars and trucks back in the day. I have some small long brass cleaning brushes that I may use to clean the top seal surface. I will let you know how it comes out. Very interesting blog Mike. Thank you. Tracy in Omaha.