Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Im trying to remove the differential carrier from the pumpkin on my 1949 delux 4 door sedan. Ive disconnected the rear u joint and removed all the nuts around the differential.According to the manual, The carrier should lift right off,but it wont budge. Am I missing something?

You have to remove both axle shafts first. Beyond that, the carrier may be stuck to the housing. Very careful prying and bumping with a rubber hammer or wood block may help loosen it. The carrier must come straight off the studs. If it is cocked, it will bind on the studs and may damage the threads. Some installations may use copper washers or soft steel washers under the nuts. If present, they may need be pried off to free the carrier. Replace with new washers.

If I recall those are Spicer differentials so you may find a period Spicer or Motors repair manual to help but TX has it right axles usually gotta go first to get the center section out. Otherwise, they wouldn't work very good.

I have the parts lists on the computer but not the service manual. It's paper and down the garage.
These have the end nut axles and can be difficult to remove the hubs to get to the retainers. You need a special wheel lug mount puller, which I bought, to get them off because they were often over torqued because of the large end nut and have a tapered end for alignment with a keyway. They didn't believe in lube and some maybe seized. We had the argument nearly a decade ago.

Alternative option to the puller to remove the brake drums, I used a slide hammer and long Grade 8, 9/16-20 bolts threaded into the drum to remove mine.
Bob J

I believe there is a !caution in a shop manual (See Literature Archive, this site) concerning striking the rear axle shaft or hub to remove the drum. Something about damaging a thrust bearing or something. I don't think it's a good idea to hit an axle or hub that is fitted with annular ball bearings.It might damage the bearing and lead to failure later.