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

I want to replace the rear shocks on my 22nd Series 2262 sedan. It looks like I have two tube shocks on the rear axle and one transverse shock.

Can I just measure these (travel length and physical size) and buy any shock that will fit? Or are there other things that need to be considered?

I see that Kanter, et al have shocks, but I thought I'd try and source out something a little cheaper.

Jay

On the two standard shocks, you can almost do as you suggest, but you need to measure the maximum extended length and the minumum compressed length. Those measurements plus the nature of mounting, top and bottom, will enable a willing parts guy to find a modern equivalent or perhaps several of different ride/load characteristics, and they should be pretty easy to find.

The transverse shock, if no longer functioning, may require rebuilding by someone like Apple Hydraulics or Five Points though you might first check the manual or the unit itself and see if it is refillable - if so and it needs refilling and doesn't leak profusely, you might get off cheap.

I bought mine from Napa. I took and old one in and they measured the rods extended length and compressed length and came up with a shock that fit and seems to damper quite well. I can get the # off the shock if you would like it.

Have you tried asking for 49 Packard shocks at your local auto parts store? I have bought shocks for old cars this way, yours may be in the Monroe or Gabriel catalog.

Sometimes the parts clerk has to phone the company to get a number but if they have a good part number they can get any shock.

Yes. The better parts stores can usually get just about any shock. However, I haven't found any of the transverse type yet. They are not of the refillable type either. So it would seem that the best (and maybe only) solution is to have yours rebuilt.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Yes, The transverse shock that I had repaired was actually the old shock cut off and a new shock welded on. I suspect this is a DIY project if you could locate a shock with the correct length etc. Five Points in california "rebuilt" mine as well as the front lever shocks and i was very pleased with price and workmanship.

That's great. I wouldn't have guessed that welding on a shock would be OK. My guess would have been that the sealing system would have been compromised. I'm glad to hear it works.
Thanks.

I took mine to the local parts guy. He measured and we came up with aMonroe shock that fits well. I can get the part number if you want.

Clipper47 and AfricaPackard,

It would be great to get the part numbers.

They would find a nice home in the Packard Parts X-Ref on this site, too.

Thanks for all the help.

Jay The rear shocks on my 1947 Super are NAPA Ultra Rider Gas # 00321A. there is also a # 738017 further down on the shock. I searched the online store and it didn't register so maybe an obsolete # or line.