Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1955 Packard Clipper Constillation, radial tires, shock absorbers

Question
Hello Dick,
I am looking for information on the automation self leveling suspension for my car. The car rides well when I am alone but with passengers in the back seat the car will bottom out when you hit even small bumps when traveling at over 30 - 40 miles per hour. Any info will be appreciated. Thank you. Barry


Answer
The automatic levelling system is well described in the shop manual for the car, which is available from automotive literature dealers - I use Ed Faxon at www.faxonautolit.com, but there are many others.

I have an identical car to yours, and I can tell you that if your  automatic levelling system is turned on, and levels the car automatically when you add passengers or heavy items in the trunk, or even when you just fill the gas tank, your car is operating normally as far as the levelizer is concerned.  It simply functions as the springs in a normal car, albeit with a much improved ride.

The bottoming on bumps is a failure of your shock absorbers - these cars are heavy, and need excellent shock absorbers to work well on rough roads.  This situation is made worse by using radial tires, which lower the car, and by having the ride height set too low.  As you may be aware, there are different length "pegs" available to adjust the ride height.  It takes a special tool to install these safely, but it can be done without the tool if you are very careful and know what you are doing.

This procedure (and the tool) is also described in the shop manual.

Dick