Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

The Ultramatic in my 1956 Packard 400 shifts properly until it gets into high, then shifts immediately into the overdrive. This results in the engine "lugging" at low rpms. If I depress the accelerator a bit, it will shift back down, but I'm wondering whether there is an adjustment to hold it out of that top gear longer.

Steve in Indiana

On the left side of the engine is a pull rod that operates the throttle on the carb. Attached to that is another small pull rod that operates a linkage shaft that runs across the back of the engine. You will see that this second pull rod is attached to the first by a small piece of metal secured with two jam nuts. Use the jam nuts to move the link to the rear of the car say 1/8 inch at a time til your shifts occur at a more suitable speed.

It is very common for the shifts to run close together on the '56 cars. The first shift you feel is a shift from low to high. The second shift is the torque convertor locking.

Thank you very much! I'll look for that adjustment.

Steve

Here's an illustration of the linkage Ross has described for you, as well as a recommendation for adjustment, this from a 1957 Studebaker-Packard service letter, clarifying somewhat their recommendation given in earlier service documents.

Attach file:

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  TU Throttle linkage adjust last.jpg (277.16 KB)

Thank you, also, Owen. I have printed out both messages and will use them when I make a try at adjusting this.

Steve

If you are comfortable with dropping to trans pan

You can do the ross shift mod.

I can send you a spring. I had them made..

Saves the Packard spring..

The ross shift mod. As long as your giving it gas. The converter will not come in.

So you can lead the shift. You will get the fist shift. In D.

Holds with H. To. You can lead the shift in H.

Low will shift a little higher speed.