Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

modern linings....modern fluid.

old, factory style linings....type F

On my older cars I use type A, I buy it from a local tractor and auto parts store. New type A is just a basic transmission fluid like type F but with no additives or detergents. It says on the back ' for use on older automatic transmissions'. Seems a bit different than what you're looking at though.

Karl,
for including your '56 Patrician Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry.

We use wahtever fluid we have on the shelf for our 50's GM HYdramatics, 50's Torqueflites , Ultramatics, 95 Suburban or 2005 Mopar.

Never heard of a failure or poor performance from using the "wrong" fluid

I'm not disagreeing with what you said, Fred. But if I had an Ultra or Twin Ultra with a groaning DD clutch, I'd probably opt for a neutral fluid like type F or one with grip enhancers like Trick Shift over those fluids with slip agents.

I've heard some say that the Hydromatic transmissions sometimes develop slip using the newer Dextron type fluid, I guess because they are slipperier.

Did I see somewhere a recommendation for an ATF additive that is good for an Ultramatic??? Can't find now, maybe it was on FB?

My '51 made all kinds of noise when it tried to lock up the drive system to direct drive. I tried changing to Type F, but it did not seem to make a difference.

I eventually replaced the fluid with B&M Trick Shift Transmission Fluid. While it did not eliminate the noise, it did decrease it and cut down the frequency when it happened. I drove the car about 4000 miles without any issues before I sold the car.

I just drained my transmission, including the torque converter and removed and cleaned the pan. My transmission did have a bit of a growl, but I put Pensoil Type F back in and it seems to have cleared it up. I have no idea what fluid the previous owners had put in the transmission, or how long since it had been changed.

Dexron is supposed to be the replacement for Type A, but experience has shown that Dexron tends to produce too much slippage in transmissions originally designed for Type A, not just the Ultramatic.

Type F has greater dynamic friction than Dexron, and will reduce slippage for faster, firmer shifts that increase clutch and band life.

I run all my old transmissions that originally specified Type A on Type F instead. The worst-case result is that you feel more of a jerk when they shift, but that is sure a whole lot better than feeling slippage!

My Ultramatic is quite happy on Type F.