Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Im having trouble figuring out which fluid is the substitute for the packard type. I removed the pan and found a small amount of shavings in the bottom but am not sure which type to refill with . I have looked through the threads but am not finding a good clear choice I have seen type f and a also is there a good additive you would reccomend. thank you

I had believed type F was what some people had luck with and others have used B&M trickshift (myself) with decent results.

Agree with cortcomp and most have settled on the type F as being the closest replacement to type A. Some have said that one is also apparently getting passed by for the modern blends. The trick shift is said to be similar to type F with more friction modifiers.

One member has found the original type A is still being manufactured for anyone interested in that -- although it doesn't seem to be sold or advertised much anywhere. He mentions it in post # 13 of this thread.

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=78561#forumpost78561

Type A is being made in San Antonio, but when I had my Ultramatic redone it was refilled with Mecron II/ Dexron. I think it was II is there a III? If you need for me to, I will look in the trunk and get the exact type of Mercron. If you need the info on the Type A, I will get that for you too.

thank you for the help,I thought it was the type F the type A post was one that led to confusion as to which one to use I could not find it anywhere on the site and I am sure we have been over it before but didn't want to contaminate the ultramatic with the wrong fluid the trick shift sounds like a plan too

When it's rebuilt, the clutches and bands have gm material on them, so you could treat it like a gm tranny.

Is the dexron/mercon to aggressive for the cork/whatever facings in an original ultramatic?

Is the dexron/mercon to aggressive for the cork/whatever facings in an original ultramatic?

I was under the impression it was just the opposite. GM trans were designed for almost imperceptible shifts and have some slide built in which the lining and fluid accommodates. Packard design requires some tight clamping force and very controlled or limited slide. The extra slippage from extra slippery fluid allowed too much on the cork so sometimes things didn't lock properly and when it slipped, could burn or harden the cork.

Type A is still being made, but for the life of me I don't know why you would want to use it, it is a very crude version of what has followed.