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Hi guys, I am back after a short hiatus. I got the engine and trans. out of my 50 2 door and in the process of cleaning the engine compartment and frame up. I noticed that the transmission cross member seems to be bolted onto the frame. How much work is there in pulling it out and will it affect anything else. I have to admit, I learned a lot pulling the engine and trans. by myself. I didn't realize that the trans. would be that hard to get out. The tabs on the front yoke had me confused and I had assumed (I know what that means) that it was a pull out yoke and not with another U joint there. The bent over tabs also threw me for a loop. Anyway, no longer assuming anything, I would like some help on the tranny cross member. I won't make that mistake again: I am always doing that which I cannot do so maybe one day I will be able to do it!

Thanks to all,

Tommy

Dear TommyCourt:

You can learn at least something from everybody. For example, I never thought it was possible to pull a Junior Packard powertrain without removing the cross member. However, I did install a powertrain in a 10th series car with the cross member in place. In that car the floor boards were out.

So you will find the job easier if you remove the cross member. However, you will need to support the trans with a jack.

Also you can pull the entire front clip assembly in one piece which is easier than working over those fenders.

Post 9th series Packards do well when having the powertrains dropped into a pit using an overhead gantry crane. Believe me, two experienced hands can drop Junior Packard 8's into the pit in under an hour flat.

The V-12 does better using a gantry crane to raise the power train overhead and pushing the car out of the way.

Good luck.

Thanks Tim,

I already removed the entire front end of the car. There are a lot of repairs that will need to be done. Since I am not on a time schedule, I don't mind spending the time to do it right, however my lack of knowledge on Packards really limits me. The front end of mine was hit at sometime in it's life so new inner panels and patch work will need to be done. Also although it came from California it must have been a beach bum as it has rust corrosion on places you will not expect. I do appreciate your input and that of others and am glad to hear from anyone.

Again much thanks!

Tommy

Hi Tommy, it's Jim the fellow who bought the engine / trans. Great to see you posting and hear your making progress, even in this awful heat.

If you meant he rear most cross member that the rubber springy thing bolted to that was on the trans and snubber / stablizer from trans. bolted to, that is just held on the frame with 4 bolts and nuts. They are probably covered in crust. No trouble at all to unbolt. I tried to call but I think your answer phone is on the blink. If you need any further info, feel free to give a buzz.

We really enjoyed meeting you and your wife the other day, and will certinally have to try and meet up at the Watson Lake show if you make it.

Jim

Hi Jim,
We enjoyed meeting you and Scott too. Glad things worked out for you and the other guy who wanted the engine. If I run across anything else I think you can use, I will give you a heads up. I just got the cross member out and your assessment was right; it was full of crud. I think that windstorm last night reeked havoc with our phones. Take care and hope to talk or visit with you soon. Best of luck!
Tommy