Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I wonder (there I go again) how they judged that at the factory as they installed the T-bars with just the frame to work with??

That's a really interesting question. I guess there aren't enough original and unaltered cars left anymore to begin gathering valid data. I've only had the occasion to look at one 56 Patrician and one Clipper that I think might have still been in the "as sold" condition and both had 2-groove pins. If anyone else has observations from what they think is the original factory configuration, it might be interesting to see what we find.

Note that 56-T1 indicates that the 9* torsion bars are for for Sr's AND LIMITED supply. That's fine for Sr. owners if there are any 9* T-bars left anywhere. What's a Jr owner to do???? Adjustable load links is all i can think of.

Also, 56T-1 indicates the 9* torsion bars will vary thus requireing the correct pick of load links to even the car from side-to-side. So again, the adjustable load links would be easier and faster for the 9* T-bars unless a set of 8 original load links to choose from is cheap enuf and plentiful enuf just to order all 8. OR, if shipping charges get real cheap so one could ship them backand forth on exchange basis. I'm a dreamer.

The Jr owners are just shit-out'a luck on the 9* T-bars. And the Sr. owners may have to swap the load links around a few times until the correct atitude is achieved. Either way, looks like a good case for the adjustable load links to me.

"I wonder (there I go again) how they judged that at the factory as they installed the T-bars with just the frame to work with??"

PMCC probably pushed that off on the Dealers as "New Car Prep". Of couse new car prep usually means check the air in the tires, set the clock and put a dealer sticker on the trunk and deliver it to the customer and hope they don't complain.

If i remeber rite, Buick New Car Prep paid about 1/2 hour back in the 70's. So the dealer didn't do any more than he had to unless the customer jumped up and down on the dealers head. Then the dealer would let the car set in the lot for a week.

I havent got back to you all on measurement of the vertical bar, as i have been traveling. Anyhow, I am happy to know that they can be raised. What about the adjustable bars? That sounds like a fool proof way of setting the height to what is needed, isn't it?

One further question: I have heard about the bar in the front suspension. Will changing it automatically raise the rear also to compensate for the new front height?

Thanks,
victor

I believe that the rear will raise or lower to match the front height. That is why Packard sold different length pins. You needn't adjust anything else.

Victor. try a pair of air shocks on the REAR of the car. When u raise the back of the car with the AIR shocks then the TL motor should raise the front of the car.

I've never tried the air shocks myself but it should work.

If u decide to do this then let us know because there are some preliminary precautions that should be taken during the leveling out process.

The actuateing TL rod will most likely need to be re-adjusted which is fairly ez to do.

I'm sure many others will chime in on this thread.

i dont know much about tire sizes or even what tires are availible, but could this problem be solved just by going to a slightly taller tire?

i'm wondering what happen to Victor. 4 or 5 posts and he never came back. This Mexican 56 Packard would be interesting to hear more about.

The Service Technical Bulletin 55T-1 says that the riding height should be 10 inches. Is your car at that height? What is the height of these speed bumps?

For those V8 owners with the different groves, is your car at 10 inches?

The Service Technical Bulletin 56T-1 says the 9 degree bars were for those cars that had the heavy accessories, such as A/C. What would have made the Caribbeans heavier, than the other models? A hardtop is a hardtop? The convertible does not have the solid top weight.

Quote:
This very recent thread about the chassis re-inforcement on the Caribbean's helps explain their extra weight.

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