Re: '56 Suspension

Posted by BH On 2010/6/6 19:00:45

I would be surprised if this were a case of weak torsion bars.

In the rare case that one of these torsion bars or its related suspension linkage breaks, the entire side of the frame would be in contact with the ground. As such, I can't see how ONLY "the front suspension sits right on the floor" while "the rear seems to sit in the correct position" would be the result of weak torsion bars. So, I don't think longer or even adjustable links will solve the problem at hand.

Mind you, this isn't like some torsion bar suspensions, where the bars run side-to-side and the front and rear suspensions are isolated from one and other. On the Packard system, the front and rear wheels are connected on each side, but each side is independent from the other - hence, the bulletin on using different lengths of links, to adjust level side-to-side.

As a result, the levelling system pivots the car, fore-to-aft, about a virtual center point (location of which depends on the vehicle's weight distribution, IIRC). With the entire system in good working order, properly lubricated, and with factory rear fender skirts installed, only about half of the rear tire, wheel, and cover will be visible. NEVER rely on the body side moldings as a visual reference to level; they're actually styled to run downhill, fore-to-aft (when the vehicle is level). The only true reference points on the body are the rocker panels - per the bulletin cited previously in this thread.

While the compensator motor is said to be running correctly, might there be a problem with the electro-mechanical level-sensing system? Wires or linkage simply, hooked up incorrectly would cause problems. Malfunction of the "black box" can put rear end up and front end down. Damage to the mechanicals should have been avoided as long as the limit switches were correctly wired and functioning properly.

Further inspection and information on the situation is needed to narrow the possibilities. A picture of the rear, if not the full side view would help.