Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hi:

I just discovered the forum and signed in.

I recently purchased a very nice original 1956 Packard four Hundred with several options, including the dual carb, dual heater, radio, wire wheels and a Caribbean Hood. The car is Coral pink body and white lower body and top, with pink leather and black cloth interior, original, though unfortunately the leather and plastic were repainted some time ago. Unfortunately, it's transmission was long discarded for a Chrysler unit.

I am getting it ready for use, and have started to move it around, but my problem is that the suspension is sitting too low. After cleaning things up a bit, apparently, it is working fine as it levels the car, but right now, the car scratches it's chassis on speed bumps I encounter in the streets, or while going up or down a small bump. The car had bias ply tires and it was sitting a very little bit over what it is now, but I changed to whitewall radials, 235 X 70 X 15. I don't believe that is the only problem, as the car was sitting to low with the bias ply tires also.

Is there a way to make the car rise a bit?

Thanks,
Victor

Quote:

G'day Victor,

to the Site. Can't help with your query but there are knowledgeable, experienced and friendly Packard people here who can.

And can you add your '56 400 to the Owner Registry together with a pic, any known history and how you acquired it please?

Congratulations and welcome to the club.

The height subject has been discussed a few times and short answer is yes, car can be raised a bit but also depends on other factors, because lift amount is limited. Would suggest checking out this prior thread and the adjustable links from the vendor mentioned a few posts further down the string. If more questions come back with them.

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=11771#forumpost11771

look at the lower front control arms on BOTH sides. there will be a verticle pin about 3/4 inch in diameter and about 4 or 5 inches long. the pin will seat in the lower control arm and there will be what appears to be a rocker arm riding on it at the top of the pin.

COUNt HOW MANY RINGS are on each pin. EACH side.

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum. If you browse thru the Technical Service Bulletins on this site you'll find one (55 T-1) that references the pins and riding height which PackardV8 noted.

Your car sounds nice, how about a picture or two. Note that the Caribbean hood and dual carb setup were not factory options but no doubt added by some subsequent owner.

If you'd be willing, I'd appreciate knowning the vehicle number (tag on driver's side door jam) and the thief-proof number (large embossed number over the heater on the cowl). Thanks.

Victor,
Another WELCOME to the PInfo website,
As you see there is much Packard knowledge and helpful Pride among the members here.
Yes, please take time to Register on the Owner's section. If you don't have digital pics, you can add them later. Packards may not be as "endangered" in Mexico as up north. Either way, Welcome!
DanL

Welcome to the site and glad to have you aboard. The 235/75/R15 tires are closer to the 29.08 height of the 800:15 bias ply tires that were originally on the car. The 235/70/R15s are just smaller enough to give you problems. I speak from experience as I had/have those on my 56 400. I mounted two 235/75/R15s on the rear and now my speedometer reads more accurately, but my gas mileage went down.
I left the 235/70s on the front for now but have ordered another set from Diamondback thru Mid-Atlantic Packards. I get a small discount and they get a buck or two for their club. I will have 235/75s all the way around on my Caribbean.
I have copied Diamondback's tire chart to show the comparison.

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You may also adjust the turnbuckle on the drivers side attached to the main torsion bar located approximately where the door closes. It has two jam nuts. Just loosen those and give the turnbuckle a couple of good turns noting whether the rear end is going up or down. Adjust it so the rear end is a little higher than it was previously. This may give you enough room to safely go over the speed bumps. Normally the bottom edge of the skirt should be at the centerline of the hubcap.

The diamond back chart needs to be posted somewhere under an info section of some type for ez retrieval for future access.

Randy -

Nice find on that chart! That info corroborates what I found some 20 years ago, when a former BFG engineer showed me how to do the math on tires to determine the closest modern replacements for my Packards; it worked out to 235/75R15 for 8.00x15 and 225/75R15 for 7.60x15.

What people have to understand is that those old tires were more square (a lot taller profile) than those used in later years. I wouldn't use any tire profile lower than a 75 series on my Packards.

Now, if you're still checking-in on this thread, Victor, since you mentioned the problem was speed bumps, you might want to check your shocks. Replace them with gas-charged units. Those, along with the radial tires, will also improve your handling.