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

My 1950 Packard has a standard transmission. When I go from low to second it sometimes wants to crash the gears. It is a little hard to move from low to second. On the other hand, if I go from low to high the shift is smooth. As well, if I downshift from high to second it goes right in. It's just that low to second is really stiff. How can I get a really smooth shift through all of he gears? Or can I? JE

Two things: First is a good cleaning and oiling of all the joints and pivots starting at the shift levers at the bottom of the steering column and continuing right on over to the shift levers on the side of the tranny.

Second, take the car for a nice long drive and then drain the trans at once. Refill it with 90 weight gear oil rated GL-l. While this lube is NOT suitable for use in rear axles, it works great in gear boxes as the synchronizers grip a bit better.

This is all based on the assumption that the linkage is in good adjustment per the shop manual and does not hang up as you make the shift from 1 to 2. If you have to fiddle with the shift lever to get it to pass through neutral on the way to second, then the linkage must be adjusted.

Thanks; I will follow your advice.

I think that I will take my 1950 Packard into a shop and have them do the work for me. Is there any place out there that I can get the instructions from the shop manual that you referred to as to how to adjust the linkage? I could then give that information to the mechanic at the shop that I use.