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

Hi,
I am new to the forum. I am J-P. 2 years ago I bought a 1950 Custom TS Packard. I did the brakes, distributor, flush all fluids, but while driving the car, it feels like it does all over the place and it is quite difficult to keep it on a straight line. The car has been sitting in a barn for 4 years before i bought it.
Is it a suspension, shock absorber, steering box, or tire issue? It feels like the car is driving me as opposed to me driving it.
The tires are 4 plies and old, at least 20 years old. The pressure was 32 psi and it was worse. I put 24 psi and it improved a bit.
So the car feels like floating, and I don't feel safe driving it.
Does anyone experienced the same problem or has a suggestion to improve the steering?
Please let me know. Best regards, J-P

I can't comment on the suspension, but your 20 year old bias ply tires are not safe.

You might start by checking the wheel bearings, king pins, tie rod ends, drag link, upper and lower control arm bushings and steering gear box for excessive wear and proper adjustment. With the suspension and steering gear in good condition the car should have very good (for the era) road manners with good tires, even bias ply. It wouldn't be at all uncommon to find worn and loose suspension and steering components, regular lubrication (grease jobs) are often neglected as these cars fell into less-caring hands.

G'day J-P,
to PackardInfo and for including your '50 Custom Eight Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry.

Agree, that you definitely need new tires. But....you also need to check the suspension and steering for play or wear and repair as necessary. The floating sensation may be that the front shocks are not working. These could be fixed simply by re-filling with fluid OR they may need a complete rebuild.

Great point by Mal, a fair chance the front shocks which are refillable are low on fluid. First thing to check.

Thank you bkazmer. Currently the car has 670.15, 4 plies. I am thinking to replace them by Mid-Atlantic radial white-walls 820.15. Will this be a good choice?

Thanks Owen.
I already replaced the stabilizer links, the stabilizer rubber bushings, and will continue to check the other components following your suggestion.

Thanks Ozstatman.
What type of oil would I use for the front shocks?
Motor oil regular or synthetic, transmission fluid or rear end fluid?

Hi Owen,
Please see my question below regarding the type of oil to use to refill the front shocks.

If you can't source specific shock absorber oil use hydraulic jack oil. That's what I've been using for my '50 with leaking front shocks. However that's not a real solution if the shocks leak, they really need to have the seals replaced or better still rebuilt(on my to do list).

EDIT - By the way, do not overfill.