Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hi,

I don't have the genuine jack in the car.

May I use a 'universal' hydraulic rolling garage jack?

What's the best place for jacking up the car? At the bumpers?

I have the elect. adjusting suspension.

Thanks!

Xavier

Just as an aside, try to always indicate what year and model car you're asking about. You say it has the electric adjusting suspension so it must be a 55 or 56. No, don't use the bumper jack; no one should really use them except in an absolute emergency. First, they are not all that robust, second they can be dangerous, and lastly you'll risk damaging the bumper. Of course you can use a hydraulic jack so long as it's rated adequately. I lift my 56 Caribbean in the front by either placing it under the A-frame (be careful of the shock mount) or further back under the frame. In the rear I've placed it under the rear shock mount plate, the axle tube, or the frame, depending on what I want to do. Others will no doubt have other favorite places or precautions. In the rear I don't recommend putting the jack under the support or torque arm, but whatever you do, don't jack it up in the rear so the load arm can come out of the stirrup!!! And ALWAYS also use a jackstand as a safety measure.

All of what Owen says and - TURN OFF TORSION-LEVEL SWITCH - before jacking.

Using a hydraulic floor jack it's always safe to jack the back under the center of the rear axle or the front under the front crossmember under the engine.

The original jack was a bumper jack. These are not the safest thing ever made because of the danger of the car falling off. You want to be sure the car is sitting on level ground and you should carry a piece of plywood to put under the jack on soft ground for stability. They should only be used for emergency tire changes on the road. DO NOT get under a car when it is only held up by a bumper jack. And do not put any part of your body under there, if you value it.

For a little more ground clearance with the Torsion Level, I seem to recall reading somewhere that Packard recommended that you engage the T/L and get the Levelizer to raise the car as high as it can, and then turn off the T/L.

Using the T/L to raise the rear body up certainly is helpful with the tight clearance when changing rear tires and makes it a bit more pleasant when doing a rear wheel brake job. But do it before you jack the car up and then, as I forgot and Lloyd reminded us, turn off the system or kill the battery.

Hi,

Yep, it's a '56 Clipper.

So, when I read your replies, I know that I don't have to search for a original jack.

Thanks for the advice !!


See ya

Xavier