Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hi, Does anyone know if a Bendix system was meant for a V8 with single exhaust, & Monroe for dual exhaust? The Bendix has the ram forward & the Monroe rearward. Might be a good reason. I'm trying to install a Bendix in my 56 which has dual exhaust & the left pipe is right where the ram should go. I haven't got any pictures of a single system so I'm assuming the crossover was set back some to go to the right side. The Bendix stuff came out of a 55 if it would matter. Any ideas? Thanks

Originally the Bendix was on senior cars and Monroe the juniors but as production continued they sort of became intermixed. In 56 some seniors apparently came with Monroes. Because of the simplicity of the Monroe system there have been some Monroes installed by owners in place of Bendix. As long as the proper brackets are used the systems are interchangeable as far as any exhaust pipe interference.

The control valve is a few inches behind the ram on the Bendix so am a bit confused about why the ram is so far rearward on yours. Normally it would be in front of the cross or tie rod assy and angled slightly toward the front of car way ahead of any exhaust. Are you installing a complete system with all brackets included and out of a single car? Do you have everything as shown on plate 31C of parts manual?

My experience says 55 Packards had Bendix, Clippers had Monroe.
In 56 it was catch as catch can, whatever was available on the line. I had an original 56 with Monroe and had one with Bendix.
Personal preference is for Monroe (less hoses).

Hi, I've got everything as in plate 31C. My centerlink/ power valve is not the problem. They fit fine behind the exhaust pipe. The problem is the exhaust pipe is in the way of the hydraulic ram ( #15.710) If I look at plate 31D it appears as that would fit fine since the ram is rearward. The car originally had P/S, changed to manual. I don't know which type. Also I don't know if this car had single or dual exhaust.

I don't have photos of a single exhaust but here is a photo showing the Bendix ram with a dual. The left pipe comes fairly far forward and then bends back to allow space to clear the ram.

There is an ebay item showing a crossover pipe for a Clipper and probably means the single exhaust. It too appears to have a fairly generous bend.http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-Packard-Clipper-Front-Crossover-Pipe-465616-NOS-/321713850446?hash=item4ae7a3c84e:g:~aUAAOSw-7RVHYEN&vxp=mtr

Attach file:

---

  (98.94 KB)

Thanks for the photo, I'll see how that compares to mine. Maybe my exhaust pipe has been modified. I don't have that kind of room at the present.

Perhaps this photo of my 56 Caribbean will also give you a better idea of the ram to exhaust clearance for a Bendix PS system. Dual exhaust of course on a Caribbean.

Attach file:

---

  (96.66 KB)

Thanks for the pictures. The got me to look at things from a different angle. HH's exhaust pipe is fairly close to the crossmember, while mine is 3 3/4 inches away & only 1 inch from the centerlink. If my pipe was at a different angle, it would allow for access to install the ram. Since the manual steering that was installed years ago is from a 55, I suspect the exhaust pipe from that car also. My pipe comes down at a straighter angle than it should. The part numbers for 55 & 56 also differ.

Attach file:

---

  (82.43 KB)


  (99.44 KB)