Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Tranny issues continue to plague the car, now it does not shift into the high gear so the fluid gets hot, etc. Today I tried to start in D and it would not shift out of low and in H, it would not shift to the High gear for cruising.

As I've put more money in the Ultramatic than in the rest of the car, I was wondering if anyone has converted the car to the standard transmission and is it difficult to do? Can standard transmissions from the Clippers be used and does the drive shaft need to be changed.

I'm reluctant to spend more money trying to chase the elusive cause of all the problems in order to get a reliable driver.

Any thoughts/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Gene

You can change to standard and many have done so, but almost need a complete parts car as there are many small brackets, linkages and pieces which also have to change. The driveshaft is different as is the rear end ratio--although yours would probably work as I believe it was an option for standard cars.

It sounds as if your Ultra needs the services of a good mechanic familiar with those units. The local garage or AAMCO or some such just is not up to the task--even if they were interested in trying. Perhaps someone on your side of the country can recommend such a person.

Rebuilding an Ultra entails detail work and replacing bushings, seals, piston rings and many other small pieces that wear so as to maintain pressures. The throttle shaft linkage and pressure adjustment is critical. Just opening it up and changing clutch disks won't do it. It really sounds as if you might have an internal leak and a necessary pressure is not there.

Unless you have one of the late model gear start transmissions it is not supposed to shift.

The Ultramatic normally started off in high gear. The low gear was only for emergency use.

On the whole it would be better and cheaper to sell your car and buy a manual transmission car. There seems to be quite a few of them for sale.

Otherwise contact Turbopackman, he claims he can change an automatic Packard to a standard in a day.

That claim is true, IF you have all the parts required. If I have to hunt for missing parts, it's not going to happen.

Sir: Give this gentleman a call. he is reasonably close to you and maybe he can help you.

ultramaticdynamics.com/

Kevin

Kev,

Thanks for the info.
Gene

Thanks, I thought in H it started off in a lower gear and shifted to the higher gear. The D one never got out of first.

Thanks, does the parts car need to be a Patrician or 400 or will the Clipper work?

I've thought of selling it, but it is a Caribbean HT and I'd like to be able to use it as a reliable driver.

Thanks,

I had it rebuilt once(over$2500) and am trying to determine if it is worth spending additional money on it. Finding someone has been difficult and bringing it back to the prior place is not an option.