Re: How Good is '55 Non-TL Suspension?

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2009/4/1 23:41:49

I was talking about the conventional suspension. It was as smooth and comfortable as other cars in its size and price class such as Buick,Oldsmobile, Chrysler, Cadillac or Lincoln.

But more stable than the GM makes at high speeds. The Cadillac and Buick were at their best at 60 or below. Above 80 they were a handful to keep on the road.

Packard was very stable at high speeds. So was the Lincoln, and so was Chrysler after they got the torsion bar suspension in 1957.

This was all the conventional coil spring/leaf spring cars. Packard torsion level cars were especially creamy and could handle bad potholes and railroad crossings easily, even ones that would bottom out a conventional car with a crash.

GM's air ride cars were roly poly jello pots for handling. The air bags didn't even do that much for the ride. And they were a nightmare to keep in repair. That is why they dropped the air suspension so quickly. Most of the air bags were changed over to steel springs.

Packard torsion level was probably the best luxury car suspension in the world at that time. Chrysler's torsion aire came second. Both could equal or beat the competition in soft ride without sacrificing stability or road holding.

Of course this was a long time ago and there is such a thing as progress. Even so any Packard in good shape should have a very acceptable ride and handling - taking into account the size and age of the car.