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The Packard info says SAE 90. Some of you said w85-140. Are they close? I want to use the best and most accurate. I am not familiar with gear oils, first time in my life having to question this. Lucas has a W85-140. I think it takes 2 quarts. (3 3/4 pints). Other lubrication points ask for 90 SAE. If I get the W85-140 can I use it where 90 SAE is asked for? Thank you for your kind and swift response. I discovered a pool of coolant in the 5" diameter heater hose yesterday. Always something new.

I've been using 85W-140 in both of my Packards for more than a decade without incident. I have a feeling that if 85W-140 was available back then, the Packard engineers would have specified it.

these numbers only mention the viscosity, the higher the thicker

SAE 90 is standard on mostly all cars up to the 1980ies

like on engine oils in our days they tend to use multi-purpose oils. The first number shows the viscosity when cold, the second when hot, compared to a single purpose oil.

85W 140 is a bit thinner than SAE 90 when cold (like SAE 85) you won?t recognize any difference, but much thicker (like SAE 140) when warmed up. This might cure a wining worn out transmission, but perhaps might cause a harder shifting, if the trans is like new without any wear... just test it

Yes, SAE85W-140 extreme performance (EP) gear oil for the differential, standard transmission, and steering gear box is a good all-season choice.

Thank you guys, I love your knowledge. When she is detailed I will post her photo. Pretty car. Brenda

I am using it in the differential, not transmission. Still OK?

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This is probably more than you wanted to know, but it needs to be said.

As O_D posted, the 85W-140 EP (GL-5) for the differential and transmission is what many of us use in our Packards with problem free results.

You can use the EP (GL-5) in both units, but MUST NOT use anything other than an EP (GL-5) oil in the diff.

Some use a GL-1 gear oil in the transmission. Using a GL-1 oil in the differential will result in a ruined unit.

Using the same EP (GL-5) gear oil in both units is a safe practice and keeps one from from mixing up grades of gear oil.

One more thing, EP (GL-5) gear oil rated for limited slip differentials is okay to use in standard differentials, but gear oil not rated for LS diffs should not be used in the limited slip units. JWL

Standard shift transmissions get gear oil. If you have an automatic (Ultramatic), it gets automatic transmission oil, NOT gear oil.

Brenda, you would benefit from either getting a reprinted owner's manual, or downloading the Texaco lubrication chart from The Packard Club website.

I have a rebuilt Ultramatic with Mercedes Torque converter and clutch plate with passing gear. I bought Lucas w85-140 for my differential job tomorrow. Good, yes?

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Yes as long as it is an EP (GL-5) gear oil. JWL