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Does anyone know where I can get a replacement upper column bearing (the one just under the steering wheel) for a '40 120? Or maybe a compatible part (or part#) that will fit? I've checked Kanter and a few others and nobody seems to have one.

I'm not familiar with it, does the bearing have a number on it? If so just go to a bearing supply house.

Check with Max Merritt. I believe the item you need is the one under group 15.3295 and Max lists several of the different versions including the 1940 number available. If you can remove yours or find any number to take and match at a bearing supply house it will most likely be cheaper.

The 50,500 does not appear in my version of the 35-41 utility index but if someone has that number in theirs it might give some specific dimensions.

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Thanks for the pic. I tried Max as well, he didn't have it. Unfortunately, the bearing has no number on it, so I'm stabbing in the dark now...

Perhaps Lares (the gear box rebuilders) might have one.

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That is annoying. He really needs to update his website since he has the 323778 showing as available.

I wonder if one of the other years -- say the 41-and later version would work. I believe the 40 steering wheels will go on the later shafts so perhaps it is a minor detail change and the later version bearing would fit -- or could be made to with a bit of work. I can't get a precise OD measurement but it appears the 41 on version is approx 1 1/2" outer and the shaft is 7/8 which is smaller than the ID but that extra slack is taken up by the concave ring that slides down the shaft centering it into the bearing.

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Hmmm.....Why not look in the bottom of The Flackmasters treasure chest of NOS Packard unobtainium. I must have a couple of these...(yeah, you know I do...)
I'll pull one out tonite and photo to confirm. and no, a bearing house will not have these, they are a concocted roller bearing with tolerances only suitable for a oxcart... PM me your mailing address. Ransom will be a donation to Packardinfo website.

DAF

Update: Bearing as pictured on the right. There is also a special machined washer designated for a '40 323775, I gots that too....you needs?

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The bearing can also be homemade using two nylon washers and balls from a standard hardware catalogue or junkbay.

However, just buying one seems an easier solution.

G'day Rio,
to PackardInfo and I invite you to include your '40 Packard in the Packard Owner's Registry.

Flackmaster, you just might be my hero. I'll have to double check on Monday when I can get back to the car, but the info I have on hand is the shaft o.d. is 7/8" (and if I remember correctly has 40 splines?), the o.d. of the bearing should be about 1 1/2", and the depth of the bearing seat in the shift bowl is about 1 1/16". The shift bowl and column sleeve are both round, with the shift lever hole at 12 o'clock and a "dent" at the top of the sleeve behind the bowl in the 2 o'clock position for shift lever clearance. (I have a second column that isn't round, and that bearing is definitely different). The bowl has 330939 cast into the bottom inside it. Not sure if I need the washer too, I'll have to look in the box of parts to see. Thank you :)