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

I am getting to drive the Packard a bit more these days. My car rides way too soft. I prefer to resto-mod a car to make it more enjoyable for me rather than bone stock.

I really don't know too much about the inner workings of the stock 1936 120 suspenstion. What can be upgraded to firm up the ride? As far as I know the springs are original and may have seen better days......

First thing that comes to my mind is the condition of the shock absorbers.

You should just bite the bullet and change to torsion bars....

Does anyone have some detailed pictures of the 120 front and rear suspension? Perhaps just some body off pictures would help me get a good idea of exactly what I'm looking at here....

Has anyone here done any improvements to their suspension? I can't imagine that a 75 year old design cannot be improved upon in some simple ways.

I supose the first thing for me to do would be to evaluate the condition of the rear leaf springs and the front coils.

Is it possible to easily add a rear sway bar?

Can a modern gas shock be used on the car without much modification??

Thanks gents!

If you've ever ridden in one of these cars properly restored and set-up, I think you'd find it hard to think the ride or handling could be improved - they are absolutely delightful drivers.

Assuming all the suspension bushings, tie rod ends, etc. are in good condition and the alignment is on-spec, deterioration of the shock absorbers is probably the biggest contributor to the loss of ride quality and handling. The valving could no doubt be changed for firmer ride - check the parts book and service letters as there may be mention of it there. I know both the better rebuilders of these shocks have done that before, upon request. Other than restoring the suspension to OEM specs, I don't think there should be any need for "upgrading".

You don't need to add a rear sway bar unless someone has removed the original one which the car came with.

Well, not sure of the condition of the bushings, tie rod ends or other suspension components. The car had been painted a while back and not restored. Just in the beginnings of the planning phase right now. As I move along I will have to inspect individual parts.

My guess would be the shocks would neet to be rebuilt. The car currently 'floats' its way down the road.....

I have a 1936 120B convertible coupe. Replace all suspension bushes, I did mine in nolathane rather than rubber, have your coil springs reset to factory specs, and have the shocks rebuilt. You will then have a car that rides and drives beautifully, certainly as good as any 50-60s car. I have driven my car 450 miles on one day with only two stops and it was a great and comfortable drive.
The independent front suspension on these 35-37 120s and 110s is superb and some other manufacturers copied it because it was so good. Seriously, rebuilt your front suspension as it came from the factory and you will be very happy with the ride.
Cheers Mal (New Zealand)

If you look at my project blog, you'll find many pictures of frame and suspension.

Your car has a rear sway bar- the rear lever action shocks are connected via a sway bar and connect to the axle with shock links rubber mounted on each end.