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

A friend said he is going to have his 49 front shocks replaced by a guy that has done it on other old cars but never on a Packard. Asked if there is anything not covered in the manuals that needs to be done or if there is anything parts wise besides shocks (shims, bushings, etc) that would be good to have on hand before starting the job or is needed for alignment.

I never got around to doing any suspension related work on the 47 so cannot answer the question with any confidence but know there are others who have done similar work on these models. Thought I would ask his question and see if there are any recommendations and points of wisdom that might be out there.

On late prewar Packards there were offset bushings that handled the camber/caster and they were not advisable so a supply in various offsets was needed in order to pick one properly set it. On postwar cars, it appears to be adjustable so, while I’ve not worked on one either, I can’t imagine anything else needed that you didn’t mention. Possibly sway bushings if it had those could be replaced at the same time but those can probably be found over-counter if needed as Napa had them for my 1951 Henney-Packard’s rears bar.