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

Thanks everybody for all your help. I can't work on it in the garage where it sits, but I can back it out with the starter. Once it's out though I can't get it back in! So, it's one shot because I can't leave it out. They say this trans is basically a Ford unit, so should be pretty simple, Maybe put a clutch in while I'm at it. 2nd gear synchro is sluggish, too. But main job is the linkage!

I have an Ultramatic, so not talking from experience here.

If you disconnect the linkages from the column can you move the shifter arms? This would at least help you confirm if the issue is indeed the linkage, or it is related to the transmission itself. It may also provide a way to get the car back in the garage if you do back it out.

The service manual, page 18 and in trouble shooting, speaks several times about issues caused by worn linkage. This catches my attention because if this was relevant then, how much more so when your car is 71 years old! Not a 5 minute project, but maybe you'll need to remove the column, so you can disassemble, clean and inspect the column gearshift linkage? Maybe just cleaning and lubricating everything will suffice, or maybe you'll need to track down some parts.

Keep us posted on what you find!

53 Cavalier's comments about worn linkage as known issues pinged a semi dormant brain cell. I remember some posts or maybe it was an article about linkage in the idler area getting blocked or bound up because of a deteriorated rubber bushing being unable to support the idler. Don't remember the year under discussion but it was one of the models that has the idler support spanning between the frame and a point on the engine block so would probably be 51-6 to have rubber involved.

Anyway, from what I remember of the issue, one side of the idler support is surrounded and held by rubber as a noise and vibration control. The rubber had fallen apart and the idler end had dropped allowing the linkage to hit or get caught on something. Not saying this is your issue but when checking the steering column levers and linkage itself, also look carefully at the supports on both sides of the idler shaft assy. If you find any rubber at the supports, they should feel solid with almost no movement possible at either end. Loose support bolts have also been found as issues with others.

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Ultramatics are not immune to the problem but there is only one arm involved so you end up being stuck in Park. My 1954 Patrician's was frozen solid when it was moved from a long garage rest (around 30 years) to my Oregon shop so the family member helping with the move (I wasn't there) disconnected the linkage to shift it into neutral so it could be pushed. I learned from the experience of several of the cars being moved to not leave them in any gear and especially don't store with the parking brake on!

The idler arm is a well known pain point that Ross mentions with some frequency, though having the arm fall out is somewhat uncommon.

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I had a sudden pang thinking I might have pulled the parking brake on but I thankfully found out that I hadn't... this before I first posted about it. I dread to think it might be the tranny. What has me stumped is the thing stays locked up when I de-clutch it. Is this obviously what would be the case if the linkage is stuck?

Good afternoon...If you look down on the side of the transmission there are two tabs that stick out. One is reverse and first gear and the other is second and third gear. If you disconnect the linkage right at the transmission, you can move the tabs by hand, put the transmission in neutral, and then move the car around. You can also see the positions that the linkage tabs need to be put into to put the transmission in gear. Drill the little hole in the top of the column and oil it,as well as the bottom hole, then move the linkage around a lot and keep oiling and in a little while it will free up...ours did but it was a bit of work. Hopefully Ross with see this discussion and comment on it as well.c Ernie in Arizona

Full agreement here on getting your shift linkage lubed up, but first:

Here is the most likely scenario: As you attempt to shift out of reverse-which is the lower lever on the column in the engine compartment- the upper lever is attempting to go along with it because of rust or congealed goo. That is in effect attempting to shift into 3d while the trans is still in reverse. There is an interlock built into the trans to prevent that situation, so the trans says "nothin' doin"

Block the clutch down, or have someone hold it down while you hold the upper lever dead still or perhaps even raise it just a tiny bit. Push the lower lever down to take the trans out of reverse. If you push it all the way down the trans will be in first, so bring it back up in line with the upper lever so that you are in neutral. Now lube everything up and get back to normal life.