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

would like this stance, rear is cake but what do I do in front?

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You can always just torch the front coils like they did in the old days, but plan on greatly diminished ride quality.

Plan on a smorgasbord of issues.

On mine, having the larger 327 engine in it, the boys back in the 50's put in longer & heavier springs and heated the top coils to bring it back down to the correct ride height. You may be able to do the same somewhat, but the top A Arm is also the shock on mine, not sure about your model and the frame restricts too much lowering, so now the lowering would come from the bottom mostly and that really affects the steering linkage alignment too. Wonder if there is enough adjustment or if you will have to fab/modify the tie rods?
You may have to shorten the drive shaft too. Take careful measurements of before and after between the output shaft on the tranny and the differential bearing mount.
Smaller diameter tires would also lower, but they would look weird in the existing wheel openings.
Looks to me like a very ambitious project.
I think to start you remove the springs front and rear, block the frame to where you want the new ride height and do a forensic analysis at all corners to see what will be required to affect the change.
Access to a drive-on lift like they use in an alignment shop would allow you to get the car positioned as described above and also allow access underneath to enable full evaluation of the needed changes. It would give you too a sense of how much wheel travel you would have left to allow the car to navigate normal road changes.
You may find that an aftermarket air ride suspension will be the easiest to get your desired ride. "Bag it and Slam it!"
Bob J.

Quote:

Video tutorial right here but I would advise against it to be honest.

https://youtu.be/pWMNu-MVddM?si=rGKqdiWIBN2u2QVV&t=3326

Just put sand bags in the car. Most old cars are under normal ride height anyway. Better yet, leave the ride height alone and spend money on some needed repair or upgrades

If you're going to lower, I would think air bags are the best way to go so you can adjust the height. Otherwise you're going to be dragging on bottoming out all the time.

I'm on stock suspension and there are times where I'm almost dragging the back end turning into or coming out of a parking lot. I can't imagine going lower. Plus you'll likely be riding on the rubber bump stops and that will make for a harsh ride.

G'day veermortal,
to PackardInfo.

I invite you to include your Packard, lowered or not, in PackardInfo's Packard Vehicle Registry

The preferred way to lower the front end of a car with independent front suspension is with modified spindles. These "lowering spindles" will lower the front end while still providing the stock play in the suspension. Probably not available for Packards.

TY, yes, do not like that eventuality