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

Hi--I'm new to this forum, though I've perused the website several times before. I have a 1947 Super Clipper, and I may need to get the front shocks rebuilt. Is it necessary to compress the coil springs to remove the shocks?
Thanks!

Quote:
G'day ecvpaul,
to PackardInfo, sorry can't help with your query. But I invite you to include both your '47 Clippers in the Owner Registry together with pic's, any known history and how you acquired them.

You need to take the tension of the spring off to do almost anything on front suspension that requires removing something. A spring compressor would be the safest & easiest. There is a procedure in the service manual using jack stands and a floor jack under the lower arm but I saw a spring fly about 20 ft when things slipped & don't think that's the best way.

Is it necessary to compress the coil springs to remove the shocks?

Are you aware that you can view the shop manual covering your suspension on this site? Click on Packard Articles, then Service Manuals.

Before yo get too far into a rebuild, you might try adding fluid to them. I have had a set that worked great after that. They don't leak and work fine.

Good point about checking the fluid first. Although you could use hydraulic jack fluid, I much prefer using Mobil's DTE-24 hydraulic oil (SAE10), or if they have a tendency to seep a bit of fluid over months, then DTE-25 (SAE20). A large-sized medical syringe or pump oiler makes the job fairly easy.

Thanks for the quick responses! I'll try checking/adding fluid before I take anything apart.
Paul

You DO NOT need to remove the spring at all! Rest the car on the car's suspension with jack stands under the A-arms (torque and support arms). This will relieve the tension in the shock arm. (IF, however, you're doing this without the engine and front clip in place, then it might be best to use a spring compressor.)

Since the brake drum and the upper-outer support arm will fall outward once the pivot pin is removed, use a coat-hanger to secure it to the chassis. When you remove the shocks, BE AWARE that there are spacers between the shock mount and the frame. Make note as to what spacers go where. These are there to make sure that the shock base is level flat to the chassis.

ALSO BE AWARE that ALL FOUR bolts are of different sizes and lengths. BE SURE to mark which bolt goes in which hole.

If after you add fluid and you still need to have them rebuilt, I can suggest a very good company in the San Diego area that does a much better job than a certain company on the east coast.

StelvioGT@yahoo.com

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My upper pin was frozen and needed to be cut off. BUT, note that the spring is still in place, and the coat hanger is attached FIRST.

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When replacing the shock, it is best that you only loosely attach the shock base to the chassis. Tighten after everything else has been reattached.

NOTE: In this photo, I have accidentally put the driver's side shock on the pass. side. One might want to make note of what shock fits what side.

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