Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

I am trying to determine the best way to lower the front end of a 55 clipper. The tl motor is on a 2 way switch and the car can articulate from front to back, i deleted the stops near the motor. It works great. With the car tilted to the rear the rear bumper is about 1 and a half inches from the ground, the front however is about 1 and a half feet off the ground. Can i chop the pins or fabricate new ones for the front?The "pins" I am referring to are between the arms. Thanks for any insight. I will post pictures when i put the oldsmobile 394 under the hood. I have already restored a 55, now i want to rod one!

The 55-56 Packard Torsion-Level is essentially a springy teeter-totter (seesaw). The length of the front torque arm links determine the preload, i.e., the loaded static pivot point of the seesaw.

Here's a thread discussing adjusting the height:

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=1870&forum=3

There are also other threads if you search the V-8 section.

Craig

Quote:
<p>Deleting the T-L compensator gearbox limit stops is <b>NOT</b> a good idea! If the gearbox goes over limit, then you will twist the teeth off the center (sun) gear and ruin that gear if not the whole unit.</p>
<p>Craig</p>

Second what Craig said. Note the twisted off shaft and bent bar (new piece on top). The gearbox is incredibly powerful and it doesn't take much travel past the stops before damage happens--and all you'll notice before it goes is a slight change of pitch as it strains while doing the deed.

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You gentleman are absolutely correct, in case you werent sure. After some inspection I have determined my gear has been twisted. So where do I obtain the part in the picture above? Wish I had found this forum sooner...

Max Merritt advertises themmaxmerrittauto.com/ Kanter probably has it too -- but if yours is only slightly twisted, no sign of anything sheared then probably can keep using. I had a 56 Patrician where it was twisted about 1 spline and still worked fine. Just put the limit switches back, adjust properly, and take it easy. Any sign of cracking or tearing, another story.

If you do get a new one, try to get one for your year if you can (55 is part # 445850). The difference is in 56 this piece has a spline removed to provide an index point. The limit switches in 56 are internal to the compensator & operated by a cam so orientation is important for that setup. I THINK but won't swear to it, the 56 piece will fit a 55 but not the other way around.

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I would just get the complete box and motor as well as the linkage from a '56. I have one on a parts car, but am not really looking forward to removing it.

BTW, I see you and I drink the same kind of beer!

Thank you gentlemen. Do you know what rear end is in the 55 clipper?Need some gears

The rear end is a Packard made rear, what gears are you looking for?

Something around 3.83