Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

The springs carried under the axle is an unusual arrangement.

I did some more research and the tie rod on a '36 Senior car evidently is purposely bent. It is also interesting that it is larger in the middle and tapers. I am not sure you can rotate it. It would be tight.

These are from another car.

Being "bent", the tie rod has to be made much stronger than would be necessary if it was straight. I doubt if it can be rotated. One of the tie rod ends would have to be disconnected from the spindle body. Even if it could be rotated, it would have to be turned in full revolutions, which would complicate getting a precise adjustment. I'm guessing the procedure for adjusting toe-in would consist of disconnecting the tie rod end opposite the drag link and making the adjustment there. That should keep the steering wheel and steering box gears on-center with the car headed straight ahead. If not, both tie rods ends might have to be adjusted, if there is no adjustment at the drag link. Some Packard cars had a "kick shackle" on the driver side front spring. That would need to be in good order for the car to steer as it should.