Re: Peterson's 1940 Packard

Posted by Tim Cole On 2011/9/28 18:22:06

Dear West:

I think there are a few ways this could happen:

a) The upper control arms should be tightened with the suspension fully loaded at ride height level. This can be achieved by setting the hub on a jack stand at proper ride height using the lugs as the load bearing members. The bushings twist with movement and if they are tightened with the suspension hanging then when the car sits level they are already twisted and will twist beyond limits when the car hits a bump.

b) The rubber parts are too small for the hole. I assume you purchased the items from an established supplier. Once I contacted a supplier with a question about the proper way to install some Packard suspension bushings because the manual said the bushings were not intended to be replaced. They referred me to someone who - after I got past the insults as to my ability - answered my question.

c) A tire is way out of balance concurrent with a worn out shock. This would cause suspension drumming and beat the bushings to pieces. I don't think this is your problem.

If the parts went together without a lot of effort, perhaps they aren't correct. I'll wager that if you had OEM parts you might have to use a press to get them into the suspension because of the hysteresis required for the load bearing rubber to function properly.

I don't think this can be caused by an alignment problem unless the car was spun around into a curb. Don't laugh, a lot of Packards aren't very good in the snow and I've seen this on Packard V-12s.

Unfortunately, OEM parts are non-existent, but maybe someone has one that can be used to compare the new with original.

Good luck with your car.