Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I had always thought that Packard rear shocks were dual-action which dampened both ways but apparently, for the Henneys at least, they were single-action. Hitting a bump had normal damping but hitting a hole, the wheel drops with a bang. The question is, are there single-action shocks or is it possible for one direction to wear out but not the other?

Also, the Henney shocks are huge. Is there any modern cross reference for them?

We ended up using light truck shocks from NAPA based on the length of the shock and the weight of the car for our 49 deluxe. They work great. We combined them with new rear springs from Eaton Detroit Spring and those springs fit just perfectly. They were shipped to me in Arizona with just a toe tag on them. A little box came along with the springs that had the rubber parts in it. Ernie in Arizona

Thank you Ernie! I'll likely have to take them to Napa for a match but what would help to know is if there really is such a thing as single-acting shocks.

Hi Don...I looked up the NAPA Invoice and the part number is 37037 Line:NS Description: OESPECTRUM TRK SHOCK. Price $46.49 each. Out the door with tax and tip $100.36. Ernie in Arizona

Ernie, the Napa Shocks look great and would be fine for a passenger car but the Henney shocks are at least twice the diameter. They're huge! If I can find any old ones in my shop (I'm there now) I'll post a photo next to a standard Packard shock.

I've heard of single acting lever shocks, but can't say about tube type shocks.....