Re: Rut sensitivity One Twenty

Posted by TxGoat On 2023/4/15 16:00:43

If your chassis is in good condition, most available tires should give good handling and tracking. An exception might be tires that are worn beyond about 80% of original tread depth, or worn irregularly.

If the entire chassis/suspension is in good working order, including all steering linkage, all 4 shocks, the steering box, as well as the rear springs and shackles and sway bars, etc, it might be of benefit to have the front end aligned by a person who has the correct specs on hand and who understands the Packard suspension system. I would suggest setting the caster and camber to the upper limit of the specification, and be sure the caster is the same on both sides, unless the specs call for a difference.

If you run the very low tire pressures reccommended for most older cars of the 30s through the 60s, try adding about 5 PSI to the recommended pressure. Avoid 6 ply tires or oversize tires. Any binding anywhere in the steering system can make driving straight very difficult. Be sure all working parts are properly lubricated, including the steering box, and be sure the various adjustments on the steering box are not too tight. Sometimes a car's body will settle slightly on the body mounts, and this can put the steering column in a bind. Loosening the column clamp at the dash will uusally relieve any bind. Loosen, then wiggle and bump the wheel, then retighten. Check for any indication of misalignment or binding where the column passes through the firewall.

Malfunctioning shocks on a soft-sprung car with independent suspension can make the car wallow like a drunken hippopotamus. Make certain that your shocks are all fully-functional and properly filled with the correct fluid, iof they are of the older type. Any shock bushings or links must be in place and in good condition.