Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

All, looking for opinions here. Background - I have a 1937 Packard 120, all stock. ~56,xxx miles, all original condition. The engine was refreshed a few years ago with an in-frame overhaul. Rear end ratio is 4.09:1. It will cruise effortlessly forever at 45-50 mph. I am happy driving it 55-60 mph for long periods as well, which it does without complaint or overheating. I've had the car to 70 mph a few times, and it is fine but certainly not sustainable, and it feels like I'm racing the engine. In a few years, I'll be moving to an area with lots of 45-55 mph country highways and no interstate.

The transmission leaks oil (I think from the cover on the input shaft, but cannot tell for sure), and the second gear synchro is worn. Shifts fine cold, but once warmed up, even with double clutching, it is sometimes very difficult to get it into second gear. It will be fine for the summer driving season, but as I'm thinking of post-Hershey winter projects, I have a decision to make. Option 1 is to simply rebuild what I have. I've rebuilt this same transmission (on a 115) before, so not concerned about the feasability, and I think parts should still be easy to come by. Option 2 is to find an R-11 overdrive, find a spare '37 transmission cover to modify the shift forks to work with the R-11 while retaining floor shift, and get a new driveline to modify.

I know I could modify my current driveline and transmission cover, but I want to be able to return everything to stock if I desire.

Does the frame need to be notched at the rear output of the transmission for this mod?

Given that I will likely rarely, if ever, see speeds over 60mph for the foreseeable future, is it worth the time/effort/energy/money to convert?

Again, looking for opinions here, so I'm interested in your thoughts, especially if you've done the conversion or driven a similar car. Thanks!

I would vote no, based on that info. I'm actually curious why you are weighing it as it sounds like significant extra money and work for little conceivable benefit.

Does "all stock" means mostly original condition? Engine and transmission are original to this car, etc.? In this case, just fix whatever you have. No need to "modify" a good original car.
How often are you planning to drive it, anyway? My usual cruising speed is 45; especially considering the lack of seat belts, I am taking it slow

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jw4 - yes, it is an all original car. Details are in my project blog in my signature line. I didn't want to go through the entire history.

I plan on driving it quite a bit. I've put ~2500 miles on is in the last four years, and I have visions of a few longer tours (i.e. Pacific Coast highway) in a few more years.

You could stay closer to original and avoid any frame modification by changing the rear axle ratio from 4.09 to around 3.75. I believe that new gear sets are available. Tire diameter should be 31". Some tires have less diameter, and that is to be avoided. Diameter over 31" will result in fender interference.

Just my two cents but OD is nice to have and if the budget allows, I would keep an eye out for a 48-50 junior transmission with R11 OD and pick it and any of the needed auxiliary items up particularly if you find them at a good price and even if you need to store things somewhere long term. With your assignments, maybe some family would donate a few feet in their garage so you could have things shipped there and wouldn't need to try and cart things around. In 5 years or whenever you start your longer trips those items won't be any cheaper or I doubt in any less demand but you will have a better option or incentive to proceed if you have the parts..

If you decide not to go ahead with the project at that time then you can always sell again and probably make a few bucks because you would hopefully have a complete ready to install package by that time.

Overdrive is one of the best things they've ever come up with. I wish there was a unit that would bolt into the 35-36-37 cars with no frame mods and retain the floor shift. OD offers great in-town performance and excellent results on the open road, and you get a "passing gear". On a coupe or 2 door car, I don't think you'd need to change the 4.09 gears to the factory issued OD lower axle gears. It might be a good idea on one of the long wheelbase cars or for a lot of mountain country driving.