Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I had a floor transmission jack with a tilt bed but when that heavy trans was on the jack I couldn't tilt the rear of the trans up again once it was tilted down at the rear using the jack adjuster. I chained a small floor jack to the trans jack and used it to level the trans once the O/D cleared the crossmember. I bought a plastic pilot shaft on the internet. It was for a 1962 Diesel Studebacker! I should have taken pictures but it is a job I want to forget ever attempting. Good luck.

It's been quite a few years since I installed the trans in my '48 Packard Custom, but I had to do it twice -- once to replace the clutch and a second time to remedy a trans+OD problem I wasn't aware of when replacing the clutch. Both times I did it myself with nothing more than a floor jack and jack stands -- being 6'2" and all of 157 lbs. soaking wet. As you probably already know it's much easier to install if the clutch has not been disturbed. Otherwise a dummy pilot shaft is needed to align the friction plate beforehand.

As I recall there was not much needed in the way of moving the engine from normal elevation and the floor of the passenger compartment was not open. I recommend cutting the heads off some long bolts and thread a couple of them into the bell housing as guide pins to support the trans. while moving it into place. Once a couple of real mount bolts are installed the pins can be removed.

I also bench pressed the differential into place myself but I can tell you that took just about everything I had...

Scott

I forgot about the two locating pins. They are essential if doing this by yourself or even with a partner or two.