Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hi everyone. I have finally got my 56 Clipper on the road! It runs sweet for an old donk that hasn't ran for 15 years (i'm shocked how well). But the ultramatic changes pretty rough with a noticable clunk. I have put some lucas transmission slip in it but hasn't got better. Would adjusting the bands help? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

P.s. When i opened the pan there was a hairline crack in the valve body (the valve body visible when you open the pan. Lower?)

Check your rear axle bushings. If the axle is loose it effects to gear change.

You should adjust your bands as a matter of course as that will have a huge effect on the low-high shift. If that does not bring any joy then there is a good chance someone has raised the shift points by adjusting the throttle link that is just next to the carburetor. Do the shifts seem to come late? You can try moving the throttle link toward the front of the car a little at a time by just moving the two jam nuts on the throttle pull rod. Better your shifts should be a bit harsh than very soft and wear the clutches unduly.

I will add that Packard's Ultramatic was considered to shift a bit rougher than GM's Hydramatic... the opposite of intuition. So *some* roughness may be normal.

I that problem once. You would have sworn it was driveline, but the exhaust system was falling apart.

The car was a 56. It had a trans rebuild by a Studebaker dealer to remedy a nasty flair in drive range. It didn't work. And when you went into drive range at low speed the timing was off and both the high range clutch and band would be applied. However, high range was perfect in every way.

I never had a chance to address that issue, but suspect an accumulator and valve spring update were needed. The band thing didn't work on that one.

I don't know why Packard had so many problems given the Chrysler two speed Powerflite was trouble free from day one.