55PACKARD Posted August 8, 2004 Share Posted August 8, 2004 Well i took the driveshaft out i noticed the front joint the boot has a small crack in it and also the rear joint looks to be stock or orignal....But i dont think this is my vibration could it be i mean i dont want to spend money on this and only to have the samething a bad vibration ...Do you think it could be a trans problem like a bad torque convertor or somethin else wrong maybe...And when the car is off and cold i pull the trans dipstick out and the fluid is way overfilled how do you check the fluid properly on these cars...i know to do it while running but when i did i noticed it was low but cold way overfilled im confused here...I dont think its the driveshaft well i hope it is...any help would be great THANKS...G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 10, 2004 Author Share Posted August 10, 2004 Well i took the driveshaft today and like i thought they said it looke fine he was going to check it but he is one of the best driveline service place in NJ and i trust him when he said it looke good but he was going to look at the detroit front ball/truinon type joint tomorrow but i think im out of luck i guess the trans is the culprit here the vibration is bad and it seems to be in drive not low gear so i guess my orignal plan is in effect im going to get rid of the motor and trans im looking for a donor car as i write this so anyone who wants a Packard motor with 52,568 miles on it let me know whats it worth and i'll let you have it...i guess theses trans are not that good if it has only 52,xxx miles on it and its going...I will be looking at alot of work now.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_PackardV8 Posted August 10, 2004 Share Posted August 10, 2004 keep us posted on your conversion process. HOWEVER, do note that there are T'Flite and GM 700R4 trans conversions available. U mite want to consider keeping the engine and converting it to a 700R4 Hydramatic for about $2500. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 10, 2004 Author Share Posted August 10, 2004 I didnt know there was a trans conversion for a 700r4???? but for around 2500.00 i might be able to do the whole motor and trans swap,if i buy a running donor all i have to do is get some motor/trans mounts fabbed up and i might be able to get some A/C too...And i hope to have a reliable car after i do a motor/trans swap... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlK Posted August 10, 2004 Share Posted August 10, 2004 My humble opinion may be a little roughbut swapping out a 52k mile engine/trans because of suspected bad trans is a D U M B thing to do. Please go thru whatever you have to do to make absolutely sure that the problem is the tranny before doing anything. Once you KNOW not suspect, that it is the tranny, the t/u can be completely rebuilt for less than 2k. you can't get an engine and trans that is any good for that and even if you could you won't get the labor for that. if worse comes to worse and you have to go the swap route, contact Mike Dulinski in Duluth minn. he has a chrysler 440 and 727 tranny in his 400. he has all the knowledge you will need for the job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 10, 2004 Author Share Posted August 10, 2004 Well i meant that i will have A/c with some fab of the vintage air corp but the motor will have all the brackets and ac comp...Plus i will do a small block with and O/D trans and why would you say it would cost more than 2,000 it might but think of it this way NO MORE LIFTER PROBLEMS i wouldnt have to worry about the T/U trans and there problems and i could walk into a Autozone and get any part for a small block chevy..Remember i drive this car to alot of events so i want something depenable not something i have to worry about all of the time.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bkazmer Posted August 10, 2004 Share Posted August 10, 2004 Chevrolets have exactly the SBC driveline characteristics - stock, no conversion costs! Packards tend to drive like, well, Packards. Did I miss a turn in the road again? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 10, 2004 Author Share Posted August 10, 2004 <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />WHAT??? i know packards drive like packard but come on here tell yourselfs the truth they are not excatly a trouble free drivetrain....I mean since i got mine a 1 yr ago its been a down hill battle with the lifter noise now the trans problem or driveshaft dont know that yet..but you cant tell me that putting in a small block chevt motor/trans in that the car would drive any different how im not changing the suspenion or the body at all...Did you even look at my pictures of my car its not excatly stock anymore i want a driver not a car sitting in my driveway broke do to that its too exspensive to fix no one can fix it and another thing WHO would want to fix a problem matic car that will give you the same problem in a few yrs anyway..I mean i have a 94 s10 blazer with a 4.3 v6 od trans and 160.000 miles on it and it runs like a top so i donr care what it will take to fit in a small block in there thats the route im going so i can have this car for years to come and drive the hell out of it and if the motor or trans does go well a trans fron jegs oh wow 600.00 or a crate motor oh wow 1500.00 so thats the route i see this PACKARD GOING ...the right way do drive one of these cars a chevy drivetrain so it can be driven instead of being towed around.................... <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernardi Posted August 10, 2004 Share Posted August 10, 2004 To each his own. My own happens to be to keep my 400 nearly stock. Thirty plus years ago I drove a 55 400 for 50,000 miles (bought it with 20,000 on it) with no transmission trouble. My new acquisition (another 55 400)has 52,000 miles of use. My intent is to use it as a "driver", not every day, but on vacation. Last year our vacation was 6,000 miles in a modern car. Next year I hope to make it that far (or farther) in the Packard.When I bought the current car, the valves were noisy. Replacing the oil with 15W-40 diesel (at Randy Berger's suggestion) and overfilling a pint has quieted them completely. Replacing the transmission fluid with type F and adjusting the bands per the service manual is the next step. If a transmission is bad, proper maintenance won't substitute for a repair, of course, but if it is still good, proper maintenance should keep it good for many happy miles. If the drive shaft joints are bad, their replacement would be less expensive than a complete drive train replacement.What ever road you take, may your trip be trouble free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlK Posted August 10, 2004 Share Posted August 10, 2004 What you say is true, but then you would not have a Packard anymore, you would have a Packmutt. It is also true that there is worry when you drive, of something going wrong. Do you think that goes away by dropping a 350 chevy and turbo400 in. Do you think these items do not go bump in the night? How many chevies do you see stranded on the side of the road. I see plenty as i drive by in my 94k mile Packard. It's your car, you do what you want, but please do it from a standpoint of knowing that what you have is shot beyond any hope of reasonable repair, which i find hard to believe with only 52k miles on it. Investigate everything before making that jump. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Albert Posted August 10, 2004 Share Posted August 10, 2004 You can always disconnect the driveshaft and tie it back away from the tranni and then but the car in drive and bring it up to speed to see if the problem is gone or not. If the vibs are gone reconnect the driveshaft and jack up one side and remove the tire and drum, block the other wheels (make sure you dont have a posi rear end !! or else jack up both sides) and again put it back in drive and see if the viberation is back if it is feel the end of the tail piece of the tranni then the diff and see which end has more viberation. Also look to see if there was any weights welded to the drive shaft at some point that may have fallen off over time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 11, 2004 Author Share Posted August 11, 2004 Thanks for your advice and you might be right to a point but you cant not tell me that a Packard even comes close to running as good as a small block chevy because if you think so please go seek some help....Ive owned everthing from a 62 impala to a 59chrysler saratoga 383 chevy has a 283 to chevy trucks with a 454 i had my number of pontiac trans am's to caddy's all have their problems BUT THERE STILL IN BUSINESS Packard's not there is a reason for that they stunk on there mechanical ability yeah they had some good ideas BUT WHERE ARE THEY TODAY ..besides a few that we kept running most of them went to the grave or are cut up and put on kustoms...so yes to each is there own and your opinion is yours..I think it would keep the engine but after all of the post i read on lifter and oil problems i think i will go with a chevy motor..And it will not be a MUTT IT WILL BE A PACKARD with a reliable drive train oh yeah to whoever commented on i see chevy's broke down all the time yeah you see them broke down more often there is only like a million on the road and there's a reason for that too then run good everything breaks but its easy to fix a small block dont need a PACKARD MANUAL FOR THAT...I wouldnt buy one because it aint worth it if im not keeping the Packard drivetrain...Sorry for the way i feel but i think Packard engineers were pretty bad............ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PackardGuy Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 '55You travel to a lot of meets with the car. When people look under the hood, do you want them to say, "oh, look, another sbc, I've seen about 600 of those today" or would you rather have them gasp and say, "what in the world is THAT??? It's mammoth!" When it comes to showing cars in places where the hot rods and customs gather, it's not just the "different" body/paint that stands out--it's the unique drivetrains--especially when the engine matches the badges.Part of the satisfaction of keeping an original going is that they perform remarkably well considering that they don't have an extra 50 years of development behind them. The Packard V8 was a clean-sheet-of-paper design in 1955... they were extremely well designed and engineered to have as few "teething" problems as they did. The "overbuilt" aspect of these engines is legendary. It's what led me to find this forum in the first place. I was looking at a discussion on another automotive board about "what is the most overbuilt engine of all time"--the winner was the '55 Packard V8.You resisted the temptation to re-engineer the suspension earlier on, and the car turned out looking great. I hope you'll also consider keeping the drivetrain stock. Sure, it will take a little sweat and TLC, but when people ask to see what's under the hood, you'll be proud of the Packard monster V8 that you've preserved--and improved. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JT Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sorry for the way i feel but i think Packard engineers were pretty bad........... </div></div> Well, I would say you have a whole lot to learn about Packard history to make that statement, If the problems you're having with the car are beyond you maybe you should do as Brian suggested and look for a late model well engineered chevy, <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 11, 2004 Author Share Posted August 11, 2004 Thanks for saying some kind words about the way my car looks to be honest with you the car shows i go to are mostly Kustom shows you dont pop your hood open at then a kustom doesnt look right with the hood opened the lines dont flow right thats why i have the hood loured and the kustom stripping done thanks agian..You know if the motor had no problem i might dso just a trans conversiom but im a little nervous about spending this money on the trans and then the motor spins a bearing or something i know it could happen to any motor but at least its cheaper to rebuild on a small block then these motors i mean you could buy a crate motor with a waranty for less then 1200.00 or so..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 11, 2004 Author Share Posted August 11, 2004 Hey JT tell me what i have to learn about a company thats not even around anymore there gone and thats for a reason do you see CHEVY FORD CHRYSLER gone NOPE says something doesnt it....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JT Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> do you see CHEVY FORD CHRYSLER gone NOPE says something doesnt it....... </div></div> Yes it does say something, I take back what I said about your learning Packard history, you need to learn about automotive history in general. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> The independents didn't go under for lack of engineering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packard8 Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 Well, to each his own. When I go to a ?mixed? car show (restored originals, customs street rods etc.) most of the cars have the hoods up and people seems to gravitate around the unusual and exotic. Ya seen one SBC ya seen ?em all. Something like an old MoPar hemi with 6 deuces draws a lot of attention while just another Chebby with Jeg?s chrome valve covers is pretty ho-hum.Your car, your choice?but I?ll have to say that you seem to ignore a lot of knowledgeable technical advice that the good folks here take the time & trouble to offer. Maybe your car has a serious problem, maybe only a minor one that you?ve overlooked.If you had a sore toe, would you have your foot amputated and replaced with a prosthetic one? Just think?you would never have to trim your toenails, never get athlete?s foot or a corn or callous,?..well I hope you get the picture???. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PackardGuy Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 '55I guess I was stating my personal taste when I go to shows: I want to look under the hood and VINTAGE IRON always gets my attention. Besides, if no one ever asks "what's it got in it?" I think you're in with the wrong crowd! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> And, when they do ask, and you say "a 350" they won't even care to look... seen one seen 'em all. Heck, you could just say "crate motor" and that would be enough.You say: "Oh, 352 Packard," and anyone who has any real interest in cars is going to want to LOOK! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />Every act of preservation requires a little faith. Otherwise my '61 Trojan runabout ski boat would have a Volvo instead of the original 292 Ford Y Block. With which it navigated the entire upper channel of the Mississippi in 9 days (900 miles) including stops. If I'd made that trip with Volvo or Chevy power, would it have been the same trip? No way. BTW, the lifters do make a little noise. I find that charming. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> The thing is, it's a big mean nasty sumbich and makes no apologies, takes no prisoners. Vintage iron forever! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Albert Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 I know what you mean, I love opening up my hood at the shows, people can't beleave the size of the streight 8 and how quiet it is. Yes it has had some work, a valve job but how many sbc's will still be running in 50 years and I have put over 3300 troubble free miles on the 54 Patrician since march of this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bkazmer Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 Chrysler is now DCX, owned by Mercedes-Benz. Cadillac exists due to corporate welfare from GM when they were battered by the depression and Packard. I agree with the comment that the history requires a little more examination. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 11, 2004 Author Share Posted August 11, 2004 Like I said ever one has there opinions....I dont think keeping a motor and trans that has problems which i know ever motor/trans combo does but at least chevy/chrysler/ford is easly fixable and parts are readly avaiable...and cheaper..even though money isnt the issue here...I want something depenable yeah sure i know a packard motor can be but i think i would rather have something im familuar with....And to the comment about the chrysler 300 beating a packard or something like that HA i owned a 59 chrysler saratoga 383 the called it the (lion heart) 727 trans all stock from 1959 i ran that in the 1/4 it ran low 15's at over 90 mph i like to see a Packard run that i think if i floored my car it would blow up...So know one can tell me that Packard was a close running to Chrysler products and dont beleive what you read in thoses magazines they say alot of stuff to make you buy there product..Oh yeah My Dad and Grandfather always owned chrysler's and they always had way over 100,000 miles on them without any trans or motor problems I never hear people writing in about lifter noise or oiling problems on them....And as of the Ho Hum its a 350 Thank GOD its a 350 there is a reason for that ITS A GOOD MOTOR....they run and run and run there are more 350's on the road the 55 packard's were made that says something in my book.....This topic is one sided YOU LOVE PACKARDS i like then i have no plan to keep it orignal and never did thats why i bought it ..Its a very nice looking car but i didnt like the mechanic's of it and i found that out early so why not fix that by putting in a drivetrain that will give me trouble free miles..........I fo love the fact that its different but it still will be with a different motor and trans..I might even put in a 500 cu inch caddy motor in that would make it fun to drive.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 55 Packard, It seems that you've made your mind up and have decided that you will put a non original motor in your Packard. That's entirely your right and noone is disputing that. I believe however that your continued "navel gazing" as to whether to install a SBC or Caddy 500 etc. is simply an attempt to aggravate those of us who believe that a Packard should be kept a Packard for whatever reason. I hear the "reliability" argument all the time from those who prefer to modify historical vehicles with modern engines. I like reliability also that's why I drive a 20 year old Volvo 240 but I would not hesitate for a moment to take my Packard on a long journey on any highway. That says something about a car that is almost 60 years old. I prefer the Packard the way it is because it preserves a piece of history worth preserving not so I can have a reliable car. The very knowledgeable members of this forum have bent over backwards to assist you with the restoration of your vehicle by offering their invaluable advice based upon long experience with these cars. If you choose to modify your car with non Packard drivetrain then you should perhaps seek advice elsewhere more appropriate to your needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packard8 Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Like I said ever one has there opinions....I want something depenable... </div></div>I think a Toyota 22R pickup truck motor & trans would be just perfect for you...they go for 300K miles with just regular oil changes, and if you encounter something over your head (like checking the transmission dipstick) you can take it to a Toyota dealer. Take out than antique V8 lump and chuck it...we're in the new millennium now!<img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />Best of luck with your project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 11, 2004 Author Share Posted August 11, 2004 Ha Ha funny on the toyota .....You guys like i said have your opinions im not doing this to tick anyone off im doing this because i want a drivable,reliable car that i can enjoy for years to come...I just think you guys are onesided you thought me doing some custom work wasnt going to look good either but it came out fine didnt it..so i think a motor swap will make it a better car for me and my needs.....If anyone one doesnt want to see my car end up that why buy it $9500.00 and its yours. No takers i have to do what i can to drive it instead of it sitting in the driveway as a planter....My way will keep the car on the road..And ever one says oh fix it you try and no one will even help you In NJ the car hasnt been around in yrs no one can even fix anything i give them because they dont know about it...So thats the way i have to go chevy sorry if you guys dont like it.......... <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">........ i have to go chevy sorry if you guys dont like it.......... <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>Then just DO IT! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 11, 2004 Author Share Posted August 11, 2004 Im going to try as long as its feasible.. Im sure it can be done.... <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 Tell it to someone who cares. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packard8 Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">........ i have to go chevy sorry if you guys dont like it.......... <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>Then just DO IT! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>I agree Dave, he?s got the ?talking part? done. ?55Packrolet?I?m sure there other forums that will cater to your (undoubtedly) thousands of questions re your upcoming conversion, but probably not this one. Try the ?bastardized.com? or ?cobbled.com? forums.Show me some pix of the Chebby lump when you get it installed! (Just look for the blue guy?I?ll be holding my breath).See ya around?????? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55PACKARD Posted August 11, 2004 Author Share Posted August 11, 2004 HEY clipper47 and Packard8 you know what you guys can do go ****YOURSELF has that for talking....... <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> At least i have the B@@@s to do it ...And i will say it again I dont think taking a piece of crap motor and trans out is a bad thing ITS THE SMART THING.... so if you dont like what im saying or asking dont even post a remark hows THAT............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Harlin Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 $9500???????? You do love your Packard. Bad engine, bad trans. bad vibration, torsion level doesnt work properly,& no service manuel, all this for only $9500????? Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packard8 Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">HEY clipper47 and Packard8 you know what you guys can do go ****YOURSELF has that for talking....... <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> At least i have the B@@@s to do it ...And i will say it again I dont think taking a piece of crap motor and trans out is a bad thing ITS THE SMART THING.... so if you dont like what im saying or asking dont even post a remark hows THAT............. </div></div>"THAT" is about what I?d expect from a kid who can?t even check the tranny for proper fluid level and doesn?t take the time to learn about his car (as in investing in a shop manual, which has the answers to ALL the dumb questions you keep asking).?Bout time to hit the ?ignore button?, take you by the ear and put you in the play-pen for a ?time out?. You & Petey can argue over there and throw temper tantrums out of earshot. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Randy Berger Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 John, excellent suggestion, IGNORE this brat. I've been waiting to have him prove I was wrong about him from the beginning, but he has confirmed my opinion.YFAM, Randy Berger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Packard8 Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 Hey Randy,I was beginning to think it was just me, but I seem to recall that Brian suggested that the guy invest in a shop manual months ago?.they are readily available to anyone who is serious about their car.The sad part of it all is not that this forum attracts the occasional nut-job ?they all do. Rather, it?s that what was probably a nice original Packard not long ago will (I predict) end up behind the garage as a hacked-up, torch scarred rusting hulk with a junkyard 350 motor halfway stuffed in. I?ve seen too many similar ?projects? started with the cutting torch instead of intelligent planning and the required skills (and/or finances) to see them thru.I hope I?m wrong?but I doubt it.Cheers,John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WCraigH Posted August 11, 2004 Share Posted August 11, 2004 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> (snip) I was beginning to think it was just me ...(snip) </div></div>I'm totally with you guys (Packard8, Clipper47, Brian, Randy, Jack, et al). You retorted succinctly to a diatribe. It's indeed time to ignore 55PACKARD. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now