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

Thank everyone for your input on my noisy differential. Ross you were right on about the ratio being stamped at the 10 or 11 o'clock position. Lucky me I have 3 different ratios to choose from. They are 354, 390, and 454. When I can gain access to the noisy one I will try to match it as best as I can. I would like to use the 354 because it is already out and ready to install. Thanks again for the suggestions.

Taximan,

Gear "whine" is typically caused by a wear pattern on both ring and pinion. This can happen due to poor lubrication, bad bearings, or just plain wear. Usually a new matched ring and pinion, with bearings, will clear it up-- but that's pricey. Unless you really want different gearing, you might do well to wait a while. Sometimes that annoying whine will just go away as the wear pattern changes--and things start to loosen up even more. Not really a risk to run with worn gears, as long as you don't want to pop the clutch regularly

One old trick: heavier oil. Like 140

Yet another old trick: Sawdust.
This technique is usually reserved for when you want to dump an old car, especially if it's going to someone you don't like.