Packard Crew-

I appreciate the responses and value your opinion, thank you. I'll research Craig's idea of the spindle mod and the axle blocks. Probably start withy the adjustable links first and go from there. Thanks again, I appreciate the insight.

CDR Dan

Packard Crew-

I apologize for misleading you all to think I would consider messing with the torsion bars themselves. I agree that's a huge error and would never pan out. What I'm suggesting is replacing the front load arm with a different unit. In modern truck suspension the "front load arm" is referred to as a "key." You can purchase a different key that would ultimately change how much preload is on the torsion bars and effectively raise or lower the vehicle. The difference in the key is minute, but I agree now that effecting the preload will affect the ride, good point.

With that in mind, I like Craig's old school approach of modifying the front spindles and placing lowering blocks in the rear. I'm looking at the adjustable links and this approach as my leading options. Channeling is WAY too much work for what I want, a cool daily driver.

I've read on other sites that it is difficult to "bag" or install an air suspension on these cars. Why could you not just remove the torsion bars altogether and place air bags where the front shocks are and air bags where the rear shocks are? I understand there's some custom mounts to be made. And I only ask the question to educate myself on the limitations of customizing this platform and not trying to disregard anyone's opinion.

CDR Dan

Packard Crew-

I have been doing A TON of reading regarding our beloved torsion bar suspension and what can and can't be done to modify it. As with a few other folks that I have seen on here and various boards, I want to lower my Packard just a bit as I try and customize it. I don't want to destroy the handling, just want to settle her down a bit. With that said, I have a decent understanding, I think, of how the suspension functions. I have found a place that makes the adjustable links which would probably get me the desired 1-2" drop all around I'm looking for. However, for the other folks that want to go lower, I have considered today's modern torsion bars suspensions in trucks and how various systems use different "keys" or "reindexing" the torsion bars to get lift or lowering. Would it be possible to "rekey/ reindex" the main torsion bars? This would perserve the function of the suspension, but by doing this the whole car would essentially drop or raise accordingly, right? I may have missed something in my theory, which is why I'm asking here, what do you think?

CDR D

Oh, forgot to say thank you for the radiator link. I've emailed Gerry and hopefully he has one for me, fingers crossed.

CDR D

Gents-

Thanks for the welcome, I really appreciate it. I have been reading articles all week about he Executive, trying to educate myself on the brand/ model. I agree that I might have a bit of a rarer bird. The car is actually in decent shape for being unrestored like someone said. It needs front fender corners and the one spot by the passenger quarter panel taillight is. The tray above the bumper mounts is toast as is the lower section of the trunk. Other than that, they ramen is perfect and the running gear is intact. Getting belts in the mail tomorrow and then a new battery, then we'll see what the engine will do. The oil in the air cleaner seems pretty newish and the motor will turn over easily with a wrench, so there's hope. I've already downloaded the service manual and placed it in three ring binders with dividers, so I'm about as ready as I can be. I would to meet other Packard faithful, just need to get her running first. More to come.

CDR D

Packard crew-

I'm new to the site and to me Packard. I got it on a trade, my car was originally slated for the crusher and couldn't stand to think of someone crushing her. I had never considered a Packard in the past, but once I saw her, I just couldn't let her go. She is an all original 1956 Packard Executive, she is complete except for the radiator. It hasn't run in quite some time, but I have her at my mechanics and he's getting her ready to try and fire. More to come, she needs a bunch of work. Just hoping to get her driving again.

CDR D

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