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

I just baught my first packard!!!!! I have other old vehicles, but not "that" old. I need to know what fluid to put in the ultramatic tranny? Whats in there looks like engine oil, but didn't want to add anything til sure....PLEASE HELP!!!

The original Ultramatic fluid was Type A which is NLA. Most folks today use Type F or Type FA which are thought to be most similar to Type A. Some folks use B&M TrickShift with good reports. Some of the Dexron/Mercon types have been thought to be responsible for problems, if it were me I'd avoid them and go with Type F.

If you're going to change the fluid, check the shop manual for instructions on how to also change the fluid which is retained in the torque converter, just dropping the pan drain will replace only a portion of the fluid. Fill from empty is 11-12 quarts.

This is an awesome site!!! LOTS of info in one place, it's great....Thanks for your help & quick response.. Misty.

Thaught I should show her off some....Thanks Again...Misty

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Great car!! Welcome to the fold!

Thanks!!! All my friends think I'm crazy... I'm only 35 and all 5 of my vehicles are older than me...60 chevy p.u, 64 chevy p.u (everyday driver),65 corvair, 69 beetle, now this 54 packard...CRAZY...but i would much rather drive the old & reliable....how many of the new cars will even be around to be classics?

AND you're going to find it's easier and cheaper to fix. I replaced a waterpump in my '54 Clipper (I later sold it) in about a half hour costing $95 a few years ago. About the same time the waterpump in my wife's late model Cadillac went out and the dealer charged over $500...the engine had to be lifted off the engine mounts to get to it! MODERN stuff @#$&%.

so true!!! I always say if I won a new car I would sell it & buy 4 old ones....Misty.

Well...old cars can be cheaper to fix, but you also have to remember poor fuel economy and lacking the safety features of modern cars. That has value too. I've had 3 modern cars so far that I have gotten over 200,000 miles out of before major repairs became necessary. I bought them all used so I would say I got my money's worth. Not sure my Packard would make it that many miles...

Whenever someone mentions poor fuel economy, lack of safety features, and low miles before a major rebuild, I have to mention initial purchase price + price to get it dependable + price to insure as a driver. You will, 99% of the time, come out ahead of the game compared to a brand new car. I'd rather drive an old car over a new one anyday, and everything that's considered "unsafe" or an "inconvenience" can be upgraded in the future. That includes disc brakes, a/c, power windows, etc. The only thing about modifications that burns my rear is people saying the original engines "aren't dependable", bull. I'd rather spend $4000 to rebuild the engine than to spend $10,000 or more on a new econobox.

As for fluid for an Ultramatic, if it's not leaking I'd highly recommend B&M TrickShift, it's expensive at $6.99 a quart, but it's well worth it for the way it helps the trans shifting points. If it leaks a little, go with Type F until you either get it re-sealed or rebuilt.