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

Anyone tried locking up the leaf spring TRUNNION ????
Wondering if u get more stability in steering and braking.

These cars steer beautifully if the wheel alignment is correctly set up so I do not see any point in locking the trunnion springs. Braking is also very good.

On the subject of wheel alignment, I found that the front axles on all of the 3 1920's cars I restored to be out of alignment. Not visible to the naked eye but all needed significant correction to the kingpin inclination angle. This work is easily carried out by truck repair specialists.

I drove only one of my cars before the front axle was aligned and it did not steer well but was excellent after only minor correction to the kingpin inclination angle.

I can't speak to the 1920s Packards with the trunnion, but as far as my 1934 Eight goes, it's hard to think that, for a solid beam front axle suspension, anything could improve the already excellent steering and handling. Ditto for the brakes, my '56 Caribbean should have had brakes as good.