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

Could you not have a pilot bushing made? I know a bearing is supposed to be better, but millions of transmissions have gotten by with bushings, and likely with more abuse and wear and tear than your packard is likely to see.

You might want to give Olcar Bearing a call. Don't have his contact info handy right now, but he advertises. Good source for bearings and seals not readily available from the usual sources.

(o{I}o)

Edit: Olcar Bearing Company, George P. Bachleda, 136 James Creek Road, Southern Pines, NC 28387, 910.693.3324, brgdr@earthlink.net

I have a similar situation. I used a 327 crank and rods in my 288. The 327 had an automatic; the 288 a 3 speed. I tried all of the local shops in town with no sucess on finding a new bearing - it is a weird size. So I pulled the old bearing out of the 288 crank using an old "finger" type puller, where you insert it in the bearing, and tighten the puller until the fingers expand, and gave it a good tug. It pulled the bearing out with no damage. Cleaned it and regreased it and put in the the 327 auto crank. It is working fine. Let me know if you would like a photo of the bearing puller. It's different from any new one I've seen. (it's about 50 years old)