Torsion-Level maintenance

[WCraigH]

BACKGROUND: Today I had the pleasure of a telecon with a fellow Packard owner (1955 Patrician 5582-8706) who doesn't have a computer and therefore can't participate in this DF. His Pat is a monochromatic (Onyx, i.e., black) 30K-mile original that he is having repainted the same color because a tree fell on it during a T-storm (the locale is Indiana). Sounds look-a-like to AlK's "Duke".

Anyway, the subject of maintenance to the T-L came up during the conversation. My counsel to him was that there are two "critical" components that [color:"red"] MUST be maintained to keep the T-L working properly, to wit:

1) Vigorously lubricate the zerk fittings at the main T-L bar end pivots.

2) Keep the rear (drum) brakes adjusted properly.

My rationale for this advise is that the first point will keep the suspension "loose", so that it can function properly. Neglecting those pivot lubrication points will insidiously stiffen the suspension to the point where it will "jerk" rather than "absorb" road input. My second point is that keeping the rear (drum) brakes properly adusted will keep the "anti-squat" rear suspension geometry active and will have the consequence of holding the rear of the car down during hard braking. If the rear brakes are "loose", then the car will nose-dive during a hard stop.

Does anyone else have maintenance suggestions?

[Guest imported_Speedster]

Yes, making sure you do all grease fittings is the main thing. I missed the 2 at back ends of torsion-bars, (just in front of rear wheels), the first time I checked them. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> But then saw them when I got an Owners Manual. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

[joe kastellic]

If you go to the PACKARD CLUB website you can access a lube chart for 55-56 cars with the TL system, if by chance you don't have a service manual avilable. they also have the lube chart for the 55-56 cars that don't use the TL system,BTW I do like to use the snthetic grease its proven it self in past for its great anti-wear properteys. Joe