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A few weeks ago while driving to the local car show, I heard what sounds like the u joints going out. Ordered new ones and made the changes. A little less noise, but....there is a lot of play in differential. The seal is bad and probably leaking for some time (There is oil in the unit).

So I am looking at rebuilding or having it rebuilt. Any suggestions? Should I keep the same gear ratio (2392 manual 3 speed) or change it? Any recommendations on a shop (Hoping Howard might know someone around his area he would recommend). I am pretty good mechanically and could install a rebuilt unit but not able to rebuilt the unit itself. I guess I can remove the rear end and ship it if needed (Thought it would look nice cleaned and repainted, but this car is a driver).

Thanks in advance for your help and resources.
B

Guess this one slipped through the cracks.

Was hoping to get some insight on the '49 differential.

Thanks for you help.

You should be able to handle the rebuild, Rear ends are not a hard job.

If you can, look on the flat tab on the housing toward the yoke and see if it has two B's stamped on it. (may have to scrape some paint) If you do, this unit has a 1/16" shim on the pinion and if it wears or is left out upon assembly the rear end will be noisy.

New bearings and shims should shore it right up.

Wish I could help on a mechanic reference but the ones I knew around here that would look at a Packard have retired or worse. I'm essentially in the same boat you are. There is always Custom Auto in Santa Ana but we are talking top dollar and they are not that close.