QuestionI have a 1956 Packard Patrician with a torsion bar suspension. The body is off the car and the engine is out. I want to unload the suspension to remove the torsion bars but I don't have any of the special tools shown in the shop manual. I have an idea of what the load arm centering tool looks like but that other tool that locks on the rear arm looks complicated to make. Is there an easier way to unload the suspension? Thanks
AnswerI wrote a long involved answer to this, trying to coach you through a way to do this without the special tools, but I've erased it after remembering what happened the first and only time I tried to do this myself. I was nearly killed by a flying 1/2 breaker bar, which missed me but went through both front doors of a car that was parked 50 feet way - it would have gone through me at waist height! I quickly set out to obtain the right tools.
My answer is that it is not safe to try this. I don't know why you want to remove the torsion bars, but I strongly advise against it! This is one of the sleeping dogs of Packard restoration!
If you are determined to do it, get the special tools and follow the procedure in the shop manual, but be sure to get the 1956 update (or see the Service Counselors, Volume 30) - as one of the steps is different for a 56 (the manual was written for 1955 cars).
Kanter Brothers probably have a set of the tools. Bring money!
Sorry not to be more forthcoming - I don't want to be responsible for someone's serious accident!
Dick
