Packard V8 clutch housing?...How many do You need?

[SN-60]

Yes, I now have two T-U bell housings. They can be welded and machined to take several different transmissions. The question is which one would be the best truck transmission.

I've even figured out that for some trannies, it wouldn't be necessary to weld. The adapter plate could be machined and bolted to the T-U.

If I am going to the trouble, I'd want a 5-speed or 6-speed truck tranny with an input shaft about 8.5" long . Who's got one of those lying around?

If anyone ever wanted to drag race a '56J, the AMC T10 4-speed happens to have an 8.5" long input shaft. I've got a close-ratio 2,20 and could make it fit easily.

jack vines

That's incredibly interesting! You think that a T-10, made for an AMC product, which already has a 8.5" input shaft, can be positioned onto a flat aluminum plate, which itself is bolted to an Ultramatic converter housing?
I understand that Your still considering truck applications, but this AMC-T-10 thing would be a real boon to 56J owners that simply want to rid themselves of the T-U. And this 8.5" input shaft would be long enough to slide into the stock Packard V8 ball bearing type pilot bearing?....even with the thickness of the aluminum adapter plate factored in? All bolt up? No welding?

[SN-60]

Jack,...I'm thinking that a cut would have to be made into the left side of the T-U converter housing to allow room for a throwout fork to pivot. Were You thinking along those lines?

[PackardV8]

That's incredibly interesting! You think that a T-10, made for an AMC product, which already has a 8.5" input shaft, can be positioned onto a flat aluminum plate, which itself is bolted to an Ultramatic converter housing?
I understand that Your still considering truck applications, but this AMC-T-10 thing would be a real boon to 56J owners that simply want to rid themselves of the T-U. And this 8.5" input shaft would be long enough to slide into the stock Packard V8 ball bearing type pilot bearing?....even with the thickness of the aluminum adapter plate factored in? All bolt up? No welding?

Yes, but since the Ford T10/early toploader 4-speed will bolt directly to the standard shift bell housing, only requiring an extended pilot bearing, the T-U with adapter and clutch fork to use the AMC T10 is far more extensive and expensive.

Jack,...I'm thinking that a cut would have to be made into the left side of the T-U converter housing to allow room for a throwout fork to pivot. Were You thinking along those lines?

No, that's way too much work. I'd always use a hydraulic throwout bearing.

jack vines

[SN-60]

Yes, but since the Ford T10/early toploader 4-speed will bolt directly to the standard shift bell housing, only requiring an extended pilot bearing, the T-U with adapter and clutch fork to use the AMC T10 is far more extensive and expensive.

jack vines

Understood Jack.....Once again though, it comes down to the AVAILABILITY of the original cast iron Packard V8 clutch housing. You have a few, and that's great!.....But do You really know of anyone else that has these rare items laying around? (I don't mean one already installed in a car....I mean clutch housings piled up unused gathering dust.)

[PackardV8]

Yes, They're out there for sale. I've got five and Dwayne Jacobsen advertises each month he has '56J conversions available and Brent Hagen usually has one or two.

jack vines

[SN-60]

Yes, They're out there for sale. I've got five and Dwayne Jacobsen advertises each month he has '56J conversions available and Brent Hagen usually has one or two.

jack vines

Wondered what a fair price would be for one of these Jack?

[SN-60]

Not even a 'ballpark' idea on what an original Packard V8 clutch housing would bring Jack?

[PackardV8]

I'd sell them all day long for $250.

But then a buyer would still be nowhere. He'd need a flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, pilot bearing, clutch fork, throwout bearing, transmission, shift linkage, clutch pedal and linkage and a driveshaft.

[SN-60]

I'd sell them all day long for $250.

But then a buyer would still be nowhere. He'd need a flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, pilot bearing, clutch fork, throwout bearing, transmission, shift linkage, clutch pedal and linkage and a driveshaft.

I think that's a reasonable price on that housing Jack. Of the other parts that you mention which would be needed, I believe that the Packard flywheel would be the only real challenge to find.

[PackardV8]

I think that's a reasonable price on that housing Jack. Of the other parts that you mention which would be needed, I believe that the Packard flywheel would be the only real challenge to find.

The flywheel, clutch fork and the T85 transmission are as rare as the bellhousing, maybe more so. As for the rest, the '56J column shift linkage is unobtanium. I've only got one set and never seen another for sale. The clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, pilot bearing and driveshaft are available.

The problem comes as a CASO adds it all up and when it goes over $1,000, it's call the EMT.

Most of the Packard contingent aren't quite as put off by sticker shock. Most there want an automatic and a few spending the $895 for the kit and $1200 for a rebuilt TH700R4 and another $1,000 for a pro install.

jack vines

[SN-60]

Jack,.....is the Packard V8 stick flywheel anything at all like the 359 straight eight stick flywheel? Also....is there a relatively good supply of V8 Packard Ultramatic converter drive plates around (auto flywheel with starter ring gear)

[StudeDave57]

always doubt the doubters

After three days on the road back to SoCal once again, it is good to see progress Jack.
We WILL be in touch one way or another~ but only after things settle down a bit.
Thanks once again for looking into this project.



StudeDave '57

[SN-60]

Dave,...If You want to try and install a Packard V8 engine into Your Stude bus I say: "Go For It"....."More Power to You"......but in all fairness, when I posted this thread I felt that the 'majority' of people that would be interested in this project would probably be the owners of '56 Stude Golden Hawks who were frustrated with their Twin-Ultramatic transmissions. Your idea of mating a Packard engine to a heavy truck/bus transmission is interesting... but probably belongs in a thread of its own. Once again, Good luck!

[StudeDave57]

Dave,...If You want to try and install a Packard V8 engine into Your Stude bus I say: "Go For It"....."More Power to You"......but in all fairness, when I posted this thread I felt that the 'majority' of people that would be interested in this project would probably be the owners of '56 Stude Golden Hawks who were frustrated with their Twin-Ultramatic transmissions. Your idea of mating a Packard engine to a heavy truck/bus transmission is interesting... but probably belongs in a thread of its own. Once again, Good luck!

Thanks for those words of encouragement. And the slap in the face.

If it wasn't a problem for me to ask my question nearly two weeks ago, why is it a problem for me to comment now? No worries though- I have my answers, and will file them away for another day. I'll go ahead and leave this thread for all those Golden Hawk owners who are beating down the door to this thread.

Oh, wait- there aren't any.

That'll be all I have to say 'bout that.
Have a nice day.





StudeDave '57

[SN-60]

Dave, Baruch said: "Never answer a critic...unless he's right!". I believe I'll heed that advice and remain silent.