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

I am having problems with my 1946 limo transmission. It drops out of third gear as I am accelerating. I took the easy path first and replaced bushings and wear parts of the linkage. The next move will probably be to drop the transmission and replace the detents. Has anyone had experience with this issue?

Sounds like one of your synchro's gave out. Greg

I believe you will find that the detents are fine as they are quite stout, tho it is possible that the little block in which they reside may be loose on the bottom side of the top cover. In your car you can remove the tunnel plate and have the top off the tranny in relatively short order for inspection.

Whilst you are in there have a good look at the shifter forks to see if the little pivoting shoes are worn. More importantly, given your symptom, grab hold of various gears on the main shaft and see if you can wiggle them. If they wobble at all, the mainshaft bearings have lost their preload and will need attention.

Does the car jump out of second as you descend? That is a more usual symptom for loose mainshaft bearings.

Ross,
Thanks, and yes it has been dropping out of second while decelerating. That was the first sign.