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

Hello fellow Packard owners, I have the front support arm and steering knuckle off of my 1954 Pacific, trying to replace worn bushings in the support arm.
The problem I need help with is how to remove the old bushings and the support bracket. My Packard service manual states that bushings are self tapping and to remove them is just to unscrew them. Apparently they have never been replaced and unscrewing them is not meant to be. Has any one had this same problem and found a solution. One last request for help, is there aftermarket bushing set available for this unit. Many Thanks, Carl

Are you referring to the rubber/steel highlighted bushings? If so, 5431 chassis on the Pacific should use the senior press in type #443244 instead of early threaded as shown in some pictures in manual and is same bushing and procedure as used on 55-6 seniors. Those are crossed to modern aftermarket. If a different bushing, please advise.

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HH has outlined the upper inner bushings; I took (correctly or not) your query to relate to the upper outer bushings. Best to say whether you're speaking of upper inners or upper outers to avoid confusion.

Though it was too many years ago to remember the details, I replaced the upper outer control arm bushing and pins on my 54 Patrician. The large bushing is the self-tapping type. It takes some real muscle and a large wrench, but other than that effort, a very straight-forward job.

The photo may or may not be the correct upper outer control arm pin & bushing for your application, but note the "self-threading" bushing on the right end, and the eccentric in the center for alignment purposes. Rubber sleeves are grease retainers. After installation, the inner shaft is rotated via an Allen wrench behind one of the grease fittings to rotate the eccentric to give proper alignment (4 degrees of movement, in-and-out, fore-and-aft); then the support arm is tightened to hold the eccentric in position.

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Reply to HH
Yes you have depicted the exact bushings I'm trying to replace. My chassis number is 5477 and I'm trying to replace both inner and outer bushing. My Packard parts manual list the two numbers as 419673 and 419678. Thanks, Carl

Reply to Owen_Dyneto
Thanks for your help, your photo shows the pivot pin and it's bushings. I do have them removed without a problem, its the support arm and support bracket inner and outer bushings I'm struggling with. My Studebaker has a similar support arm but the difference is Studebaker used a bolt that unscrews from the support bracket on both ends and when it is removed the bracket will easily come loose from the arm, however Packard used a threaded stud on both ends of the bracket and they use self locking nuts to hold the assembly together.

I'm guessing the procedure is the same as 56.

On my 56 the bracket (shaft thru bushings) should be marked front and rear. If it is reversed then mite run out of camber adjustment.

On my 56 th erubber in the bushings was so rotten i was able to dig or drill the rubber out and then split the metal sleeves of the bushing for removal. IIRC split the flange of the metal sleeve and then was able to cruch the bushing with a big pair of channel locks while twisting it out of the control arm.

Mite take a look at this entire thread:
packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... &forum=3&post_id=5699#forumpost5699

Quote:

The ones you mention are used on the earlier and the 54 junior & commercial chassis. The 5477 Pacific body is on the 5431 chassis so you need #443244. Those are the same as 55-6 TL cars or seniors.

Better quality pictures maybe in the suspension section of V8 service manualpackardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/ser ... 556/Sect16_Suspension_Steering.pdf. As PV8 mentions, removal of old of that type is either pressing, cutting, tearing or whatever--just don't damage the threaded ends or support. Once one bushing is out, the inner arm will slide thru and with some manipulation be removed. If removing, take note of orientation. The holes are offset and if installed wrong can cause alignment problems later.

New can be pressed back in over the arm shaft and aftermarket bushings as mentioned above are available from most parts stores. Several have bought them from RockAuto.com at less cost than Napa or others.

When doing mine, I made a tool to duplicate the spreader. Used pieces of L shaped steel back to back with bolts thru middle to keep distance at appropriate place. Needs to be strong to keep from collapsing arm or losing the proper spread when pressing.

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Thanks again HH (Howard)
Especially for correcting me on the part number, and the repair info is just what I needed to proceed. I will have a slight delay in proceeding, I go today to arrange for a hip replacement, I am thankful for modern science's ability to get me back walking without pain.
One last request, I was unclear as what aftermarket part numbers to seek at Rock Auto for the bushings I'm wanting to replace. I promise this is the last help I will ask for on this subject.

Moog K320 or equivalent. I believe this was also used by Lincoln 1952-56 or so and perhaps later. I've jotted down "TRW12309" in my notes but can't confirm it's a correct replacement number.