Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hi,
The rear end of my transmission on my 56 Patrician is dripping ATF. I got a pinion seal, and removed the drive shaft. To my surprise, it seems that my universal joint flange bolt is completely missing. So now I have two questions.

1) What size bolt do I need?
2) How do I separate the flange from the rest of the transmission, so that I can install the new pinion seal?

Thanks!

John

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It is a 3/8-24 bolt, about 1 1/2 long if I recall.

Take a 3/8 diameter punch, stick it into the heavy washer and use it as a lever to flip that washer out of its recess. Then you will need a 2 or 3 armed puller to pull the flange off. Screw your nice new 3/8 bolt into the shaft to keep the threads from being damaged as you horse the thing off.

You will discover that the original seal will have a death grip on the housing, and you may need to heat the end of the housing with a small torch to get it out.

Normally I remove the entire tailshaft assy and do the job on the bench as the frame is way too much in the way.

Thanks Ross!

The punch definitely helped get the washer out (good suggestion). The washer was really tight, but surprisingly, the seal came out easily. I was able to pick up the right bolt, and put things back together today.

Thanks again,
John