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

This is exactly what I’ll be trying in the morning and reply with the results. Question, would lifting the rear end help things “loosen up” more easily?

Yes rear wheels off the ground would help determine whether the transmission is free. Service and parking brakes should be off. If you have a helper to depress the clutch, you might try rolling the wheels. Depending on progress/results you may consider removing the drive shaft. Have you read the caution about OD stuck engaged and trying to back-up?

The one with the larger shaft diameter is for the Custom 8 356 engine which has a different clutch disc and pilot bearing.
The smaller one is for the 288 and 327 engines but the cover plate that is with it appears to be incorrect with only 4 mounting bolts instead of 6.

Correct, the larger is for the 356 only but I see six holes in the cover so maybe the angle of the photo hid a couple.

I was referring to the cover on the smaller shaft which still appears to be incorrect, wrong shape, inside diameter too big for the shaft and has a non-Packard part number on it.

That could be but the numbers on parts are not necessarily part numbers either. In some cases they are casting or lot numbers. You’re right, though. It definitely has only 4 holes which isn’t Packard. All of mine back to 1940 had 6 holes.

And you’re saying that I couldn’t just replace the shaft itself and be right to go?

Well, yes and no. You could do that but to change tt you would need to first drop the cluster gear which has many tiny roller bearings that require a special tool to keep in place. Also, as it’s already partially apart, it needs new gadgets (Olson’s Gaskets has them) and a new seal kit (Max Merrett carries those). You should also check the synchros while you’re at it and, of course, this is also the time to thoroughly clean out all the crud and put in new gear oil.

Note that the seal kits do not include the several copper washers needed under certain bolts such as those on the six front plate. There are also a couple housing bolts that require copper washers.