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

1951 model 200 standard transmission has had issues like slipping out of second gear. I have purchased a gear set from Tucson Packard to change out from my box. I will also replace clutch plate, bearing, disc, and is there a pilot bush at the tip,of the shaft ? Anyway looking for any advice about the change out before to paint myself into a corner.

Thanks

Slipping out of 2nd gear is typically a matter of (1) abnormal clearances/end play, (2) worn interlock assembly, (3) improper linkage adjustment, or (4) bent shift rod. Unless you find some other damage it's very unlikely that the condition requires replacement of the gearsets.

There is a pilot shaft bearing, not a bushing. Transmission service information in the shop manual is quite comprehensive, I suggest you read that first before starting the job.

I had hoped that the linkage was the problem. I have lubed attachment points, and greased the shaft that the linkage pivots on, but no improvement with coming out of gear. 2nd gear synchro is fairly weak. You have to double clutch to keep from grinding gears on downshift. There is no first gear synchro is that. Normal for this gear box? In second gear the shift lever wangles around when driving. When I lubed the linkage it got worse. The motor, transmission mounts look ok. Also there is a periodic noise that I think is the throw out bearing rattling. It comes and goes. So there are enough issues that I think pulling the transmission isn't a total waste of time. The shift linkage is very complex, but it looks ok to me. However I don't have anything to compare it to.

You have to double clutch to keep from grinding gears on downshift

Depends which downshift you're speaking of, yes you should have synchromesh downshifting from 3rd to 2nd, but no synchro from 2nd to 1st as was common on 3-speed transmissions of all makes of the era.

You say you lubricated the linkage but you didn't say if you checked the adjustment of same - that's a likely place to start.