Restoring a 1938 Packard requires careful attention to its suspension system. The original design combined early independent front suspension with a traditional live rear axle, and many parts are now hard to find. Whether you are doing a full frame-off restoration or refreshing a driver, knowing the key components, their sources, and compatibility will save time and money.
Understanding the 1938 Packard Suspension System
Packard adopted independent front suspension in 1935, using coil springs and A-arms (wishbones) with a stabilizer bar. The 1938 models continued this design, which gave a smoother ride than many contemporaries. The rear suspension remained a solid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, held in place by shackles and a Panhard rod on some body styles. Shocks were lever-type hydraulic units (Houdaille or Delco) mounted to the frame and axle.
Front Suspension Components
- Coil springs – These are heavy-duty springs that support the front weight. Original springs often sag after decades, changing ride height and alignment.
- Upper and lower control arms – Forged steel arms with bushings at both ends. The lower arm includes a spring seat.
- Kingpins and bushings – The steering knuckle pivots on kingpins. Worn kingpins cause play and imprecise steering.
- Tie rod ends and drag link – These connect the steering box to the wheels. Original pieces are ball-and-socket joints that wear out.
- Sway bar – Not all 1938 Packards had a front sway bar; larger models (Super Eight) often did.
Rear Suspension Components
- Leaf springs – Usually 5 to 7 leaves, with a main leaf that has eyes at each end. The spring pack is clamped together with a center bolt.
- Shackles – Connect the rear eye of the spring to the frame. Rebuildable with bronze bushings.
- Shock absorbers – Lever-type mounted above the axle housing. They dampen motion via internal valves.
- Panhard rod – On some models (e.g., limousines) to locate the axle laterally.
Key Suspension Parts for 1938 Packards
Coil Springs
Original front coil springs are specific to 1938 Packard. They are available as reproductions (e.g., Eaton Detroit Spring) or you may find used ones in salvage yards. When replacing, ensure the spring free length and rate match the original. Convertible and sedan models may use different rates.
Leaf Springs
Rear leaf springs can be rebuilt by adding or removing leaves or having new leaves made by a spring shop. Complete replacement packs are available from specialized manufacturers. The spring eyes often have bushings that wear; replace with bronze or polyurethane for better longevity.
Shock Absorbers
Original lever shocks are rebuildable, but parts are hard to find. Many restorers opt to convert to modern tube shocks using adapters. This improves ride quality but alters the original appearance. For a concours restoration, rebuild the originals with new seals from suppliers like Apple Hydraulics. For a driver, tube shocks are a practical upgrade.
Bushings and Kingpins
Rubber or composition bushings in control arms, shackles, and sway bar links deteriorate. Replace with polyurethane bushings for longer life and firmer handling. Kingpin sets (kingpin, bushings, thrust washers) are offered by several vintage parts vendors. Make sure to have the kingpin reamed to fit new bushings for proper alignment.
Tie Rod Ends and Steering Linkage
Tie rod ends for 1938 Packard are available as reproductions or NOS. The drag link is often the same as other pre-war Packards. If you cannot find new parts, rebuild the originals with new ends or have a machine shop make replacements. Check the steering box for wear while you are at it.
Sourcing Original vs. Reproduction Parts
Original Parts (NOS & Used)
Original Packard parts (New Old Stock) appear on swap meets, eBay, and from used-parts specialists. They are ideal for authenticity but can be expensive and brittle after decades. Carefully inspect steel springs for cracks and rubber parts for rot. Salvage yards specializing in pre-war cars are worth searching, but expect to refurbish every piece.
Reproduction Parts
Reproduction suspension parts are made by companies like Eaton Detroit Spring (springs), Kanter, and Max Merritt. Quality varies: some leaf springs match factory specs, others may ride stiff or sag quickly. Check forums (PackardInfo, AACA) for user reports. For safety-critical parts (springs, steering), invest in reputable brands.
Machined Parts
Some bushings, kingpins, and ball joints can be made by local machine shops if patterns are provided. This is expensive but may be necessary for rare parts. Provide original samples for accurate duplication.
Compatibility Notes
1937-1939 Packard suspension parts share many pieces, but not all. The 1938 model has a unique front crossmember and spring pocket. Rear leaf springs are similar across 1937-1939 except for length based on wheelbase (127-139”). Check your model’s body tag. Brakes and suspension hardware are often the same as 1939 models, so parts from that year can substitute. But avoid later models (1940+) because the suspension changed.
Restoration Tips for Suspension
- Safety first: A failed spring or steering link can be dangerous. Replace any part with cracks, severe rust, or fatigue cracks.
- Rebuild versus replace: If original parts are in decent shape, rebuilding with new bushings and seals is often superior to cheap reproductions.
- Alignment: After replacing springs, have the front end aligned to factory specs. Caster, camber, and toe-in values are available from Packard service manuals.
- Lubrication: Original chassis had grease fittings. Use a high-pressure grease gun on all joints regularly.
- Shocks: If keeping lever shocks, fill with the correct hydraulic fluid (not brake fluid). Tube shock adapters require brackets that mount to the frame and axle.
- Leaf spring service: When disassembling the spring pack, replace the center bolt and clips. Lubricate between leaves with graphite grease to prevent squeaks.
Final Recommendation
For a 1938 Packard restoration, prioritize safety and reliability over absolute originality in areas that affect handling. Use reproduction leaf springs and coil springs from established manufacturers (Eaton, Springs by Lundberg). Rebuild original lever shocks if aiming for show points; otherwise install tube shocks with proper brackets for better ride. Polyurethane bushings are acceptable for drivers but original rubber for concours. Join Packard-specific forums to ask about current part suppliers and share experiences. By carefully selecting quality parts and attending to each component, you can restore the Packard’s legendary ride and enjoy it for years to come.