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

I am trying to determine the correct height of the back of my 1940 Super 8 (1807).

It looks like it is riding too low in the back of the car. I don't know if that is the design, if I need to replace the leaf springs, or if I have another issue.

Thanks for your input.

Gar

When in doubt, try the shop manual. Riding heights are on page 49 of the 1940 160/180 Preliminary Shop Manual, available on this site, Measurements are from the ground to specified points on the frame.

Check your front springs, back in the day when the front springs sagged, spacers were jammed between the coils, raising the front and at the same time giving the appearance the rear was too low.

Owen- Thanks. I saw that in my manual but was looking for something that indicated ground to back bumper or frame member. The offset makes sense, I just had to think about it.
I have a preliminary manual, but I was waiting for the final manual release. I suppose I will be waiting a long time.


thanks again

I remeasured the rear height and I get over 7 1/2" on drivers side and 8" on the passengers side top of the rear axle. Spec call for 5.75" to 6.75". Prelim manual indeed...something is amiss.

Your measurements are with the car properly ballasted?

How about a good side view photo of the car so we can see the posture? Weren't you suggesting it looked low in the rear? Don't your measurements show the opposite?