Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Looking for some guidance and advice regarding the overdrive transmission on my 47 super 8 custom club sedan.

I am finishing my garage shop restoration of this car, and am now able to drive it for the first time. I have many hours and lots of money in the new engine, new interior, new paint, and redone chrome.

Now that I can drive the car, it is obvious that the transmission is noisy and should have been rebuilt.

Two questions. 1. who has a rebuilt or good overdrive transmission, and
2. Does it make sense to sell the car running and driving with the noisy trans, and not put any more money into it?

The car is in Boise, Idaho.

Thanks for your input. John Verity

I HAD A WORN PINION IN MY DIFFERENTIAL WHICH COULD BE WHAT YOU ARE HEARING. JACK UP THE REAR OF THE CAR AND PUT IT ON JACK STANDS. START THE ENGINE AND PUT IT IN GEAR AND LISTEN AFTER PEEKING UNDER THE CAR. THIS WILL HELP YOU DETERMINE WHERE THE NOISE IS COMING FROM.

WORN PINION GEARS ARE NOT UNUSUAL IN THIS CAR. THE HUGE ENGINE PUTS OUT A LOT OF TORQUE AND THE PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING THE PINION SEAL IS VERY PRECISE. IF NOT FOLLOWED, THE PINION BEARINGS WILL WEAR INTO AN "EGG SHAPE".

IF IT IS THE PINION GEAR YOU ARE IN LUCK. I HAD MINE WELDED AND MACHINED AND COST WAS ABOUT $150. IF YOU REMOVE THE CARRIER (WHICH YOU MUST DO TO GET THE PINION OUT) CHECK THE BEARINGS IN THE CARRIER AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY.

BTW. Can you post some pics of your car. The coupe is one of my favorite models. The light body with the big engine...a gentleman's hot rod!!

Agree, it's a beautiful design.

Just asking, John, since V8 guys usually have no experience with your Packard overdrive, wouldn't this question be more likely to get better advice in the Post-War forum?

jack vines

Thanks for the advice. It may be that the pinion is making the noise. I will jack up and listen as you suggested.

Do you know of a more modern rear end assembly that could be adapted to the 47 Packard? One that would allow use of stock wheels.

I installed a Mercury Marquis 9" rear in my 47 Hudson (after shortening the axles and axle tubes) with a great result.


The car is going to be buffed and detailed next week. I'll post some photos after that.

Thanks, John Verity, Boise

I wouldn't consider a substitute rear axle, the differential in a 1947 senior Packard is superbly designed, extremely rugged and parts are available. You're not going to do better.

I agree. When I pulled my rear axles, I was impressed with the robust design. Everything was built like a heavy duty truck!

John Verity here in Boise with the noisy transmission.

It has become pretty apparent that the rear end is the source of the noise, and not the transmission. Thanks to those of you who suggested the rear might be the problem.

Where can I buy a ring and pinion set, bearings etc? Where can I get a print out of how to go about rear end disassembly and proper set up with new parts?

One of you asked for some photos of the car. How do I post them to this forum?

Thanks for all of your help and advice.

John Verity, Boise, Idaho

"One of you asked for some photos of the car. How do I post them to this forum?"

John,

This Photo posting FAQ should help you in loading photos. If not, email them to me and I'll upload them for you - ozstatman@gmail.com

While Kanters, Max or maybe someone here could help with the rear end parts.

Little bit off topic but the '41 120 Coupe I had came from the Boise area. Owned for many years, 1961 to 2006, by a Dentist - Earl 'Doc' Gulley. Maybe you knew of Doc or the car?

strongly urge you to contact Joe Santana - he just had his whole rear end gone through and certainly would be able to discuss from recent experience.