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

Does anyone know what are the appropriate rear shock absorbers for the 1949 Custom Packard? The car has three: one at each end of the axle and one running horizontally, in parallel with the axle. I see them advertised in various supplier catalogs, but not by brand name. What brand do you use for your Packard? Thanks, James

The horizontal shock is probably a vendor only or send to a rebuilder item. There was a thread where someone said he had bought a modern shock, cut the original off and welded the modern in its place. I looked at the Ford Pinto shock the poster said he used and not quite sure how it was done based on the shock configuration vs the mounting needs at the upper end of the long Packard horizontal tube. No photos or instructions accompanied the post.

For the two regular side shocks, I just bought the RS101 set from Max for my 47 Custom. The parts manual lists a different part number between 47 and 49 and while the dampening characteristics may be different, I believe they are the same size and will physically interchange.

Max sent AC Delco Advantage Gas Shocks. All the identifying numbers on the boxes were covered with RS101 shipping labels but if the number stamped on the shock is the same and can be cross referenced, it is 751002.

EDIT: Just found an old thread confirming the same set with the 751002 number fits 49 but with questions on if that is a valid interchange number.https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=3242&viewmode=compact&order=DESC&type=&mode=0&start=0

Last weekend I installed a set of Monroe shocks. The part # is on the "part x-ref" page on this site. I bought mine from rockauto.com for about $15 each. They fit just fine. Of course I have no way to compare the dampening characteristics to original.

Here are some part numbers for rear shocks. I've used these on 1941 thru 1950 junior and senior clippers. Sometimes the old shocks were incorrect replacements so I have original as a guide.

Monroe 34803
Gabriel 61500
Delco 751002


As always, a little research goes a long ways.

NAPA 94080 as listed in the Parts X-ref fit my Customs well.

Interesting, I used a different part number than Dallas for the Monroe's... 31094.

Napa 94080 and Monroe 31094 have same specs, I believe they are one in the same. I have found that Monroe 34803 is the closest (specifications) to Packard rear shock number 384887. There is also another Monroe shock which will work--#37073.

Good to know there are several extra options.

Fearing the worst since I all too often buy high and sell low, just compared prices on some of the aftermarket numbers mentioned. Straight shocks were cheaper but when comparing Max's gas shock replacements to Napa's equivalent, surprisingly, Max was competitive. A name brand Delco at a decent price -- lower than both the Napa shocks that appear when doing a search on their site for 94080.

My lazy decision to order from a vendor and not chase all over looking for other options actually worked out for a change.

That is good to know. How do we get those #'s added to the x-ref?

Last weekend I was able to scrape all the crud and goop off the rear shocks and the "stabilizer" shock - and found some numbers. After gently wire brushing the numbers and rubbing white chalk over the impressions the following numbers were revealed:

For the regular axle to frame, vertical side shocks:
688
Pass 4*3/4 Ad-4
Monroe Auto Group
Monroe, Mich.
Pat. No.
(several numbers here)
395635

(that last number is the shock model number)

For the horizontal, stabilizer shock:
B-66
Gabriel
T.M.Reg. U.S.Pat.O.
Cleveland
Made in USA

21908-2369007
23943562396227
Others Pend
Serial 4?08

(I suspect the longer numbers are patents and the last serial number is the model number. Unfortunately, The second numeral is obscured beyond recognition - 4?08)

Thanks for everyone's good suggestions on replacing the shocks,
James